Matthew Judon Returns to Patriots Training Camp amid NFL Contract Rumors

New England Patriots edge rusher Matthew Judon attended practice Thursday after missing Tuesday's session, Doug Kyed reported for the Boston Herald.

Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo said he had a "great meeting" with Judon prior to his return to practice, per ESPN's Mike Reiss.

Judon appeared to walk out of Monday's practice, and missed Tuesday's altogether, Reiss reported. The Patriots had the day off on Wednesday.

The edge rusher is currently set to earn a $6.5 million base salary next season in the final year of a contract that he said last week does not match his value.

"I remember as a player, it's always a difficult time when you go through contract negotiations and things like that," Mayo said Thursday, per Reiss. "I have a great relationship with Matthew. I have a great relationship with the players. We're moving forward."

Mayo declined to answer a question as to whether or not the Patriots levied any penalty against Judon for the missed practice, Reiss noted.

Judon said last week he's "got to" play this season regardless of his contract status, but expressed unhappiness with his current deal.

"I signed a deal, my signature on it, so I've got to play on it," Judon said. "Would I like to? No. Do I think that's my value? No. But again, that's not up to me."

Following those comments, Judon was seen having "animated" talks with Mayo, EVP of player personnel Eliot Wolf and director of player personnel Matt Groh at Monday's practice, Reiss reported.

Judon's total cap hit of $14.7 million for the 2024 season ranks 13th among all edge rushers, per Over the Cap.

Although Judon was sidelined for most of the 2023 season with a biceps injury, he sees that as an underpay for an outside linebacker with back-to-back Pro Bowl nominations in the first two seasons of his deal.

The Patriots offered Judon "a few revised contracts" before the start of training camp, but the two sides have yet to agree on a new deal, according to The Athletic's Dianna Russini.

During his most recent healthy campaign in 2022, Judon racked up 15.5 sacks, 60 combined tackles including 14 for loss, 28 quarterback hits and three passes defended.

Judon turns 32 this month and missed 13 games during his most recent campaign, however, so the Patriots could be hesitant about promising the veteran a larger deal before he proves he can bounce back this fall.