Patriots' Matthew Judon Skips Practice, Now 'Apparent Holdout' amid Contract Rumors

New England Patriots linebacker Matthew Judon skipped the team's practice Tuesday, according to The Athletic's Chad Graff and Larry Holder.

They reported this signals an "apparent holdout" with Judon in the last year of his contract.

While the four-time Pro Bowler showed up to practice on Monday, his presence may have caused a larger stir than if he had simply stayed away.

Judon alluded to his dissatisfaction with his current situation in early July when he responded on X to a fan who suggested the Patriots meet his asking price.

"Ion think that's about to happen," he said to the fan.

It's probably not a coincidence this was his next post:

On July 9, Fox Sports' Henry McKenna reported that Judon is seeking a new contract and that New England tabled a formal offer. However, the two sides were "not currently close to agreeing to a new deal."

Offering his side on the Shut Up Marc podcast, the 31-year-old edge-rusher said he "wrote out my own contract and sent it to them" but had yet to receive a response. He also referenced the fact the Pats are relatively flush with salary cap space ($43.1 million) with the regular season quickly approaching and could afford to give him a raise.

A holdout could entice an outside suitor to step up and give New England enough to facilitate a trade for Judon. In terms of securing an extension with his current team, it's likely to achieve little.

By his own admission, the veteran defender has to suit up eventually and play.

"I got to, honestly. I signed the deal. My signature is on it," he told reporters last week. "Would I like to? No. Do I think that's my value? No. But again, that's not up to me."

Judon has a clear incentive to perform, too, since a big 2024 season may net him the kind of payday he's ultimately seeking.

For now, things aren't in a great place, and that figures to be a storyline surrounding the Patriots throughout training camp.