NFL Rumors: Matthew Judon, Patriots Feel 'Good' About Getting New Contract Completed

The New England Patriots and veteran pass-rusher Matthew Judon are reportedly making some progress toward a new contract.

Speaking on Scoop City (beginning at the 12:05 mark), Dianna Russini of The Athletic provided a positive update, saying: "I've been told throughout this process over the last few weeks—and especially the last 24 hours, 48 hours—that everyone feels good this is going to get done."

Judon, who turns 32 on Aug. 15, is set to enter the final year of his contract this season. He is scheduled to earn a base salary of $6.5 million and counts nearly $14.7 million against the salary cap.

Per ESPN's Mike Reiss, Judon got the media talking Monday at Patriots training camp when he seemed to have an animated conversation on the sidelines with head coach Jerod Mayo, executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf and director of player personnel Matt Groh.

Judon was not dressed for the Patriots' first fully padded practice on Monday, and he was not with the team Tuesday. Wednesday represented an off day before returning to the field Thursday.

The four-time Pro Bowler did participate in Thursday's practice, and Mayo suggested he and Judon were on the same page, saying: "I remember as a player, it's always a difficult time when you go through contract negotiations and things like that. I have a great relationship with Matthew. I have a great relationship with the players. We're moving forward."

Judon is set to enter his ninth NFL season overall, and his fourth as a member of the Patriots.

He began his career with the Baltimore Ravens, recording 34.5 sacks in 76 games and earning two Pro Bowl selections while with the organization.

Judon was also a Pro Bowler in each of his first two seasons in New England, racking up 12.5 sacks in 2021 and a career-high 15.5 sacks in 2022.

Expectations were high for Judon entering last season, but a torn bicep limited him to just four games, although he had four sacks in those games.

All told, Judon has 32 sacks in 38 games as a member of the Patriots and 66.5 total sacks in his career, making him one of the NFL's most productive pass-rushers of the past decade.

There would be some risk involved with signing an older player coming off a significant injury to a contract extension, but given Judon's importance to New England's defense, the organization may decide he is worth gambling on.