Patriots Elite Pass-Rusher Matthew Judon Wants Contract Adjusted; Reduces Practice Participation

New England Patriots‘ standout pass-rusher, Matthew Judon, has reportedly expressed his desire for a contract adjustment, signaling potential tensions between the player and the organization.

According to NBCS Boston’s Phil Perry, the Pro-Bowl linebacker has reduced his participation in practice over the past couple of days.

Matthew Judon, who delivered an impressive 15.5 sacks last season, solidifying his reputation as one of the league’s premier pass-rushers, is now seeking to reevaluate his contract terms.

Judon’s initial contract with the Patriots was a four-year, $56 million contract as a big time free-agent addition in 2021, he boasted an impressive 12.5 sacks that season.

Perry reported that while the relationship between Judon and the Patriots remains amicable, the player’s reduced practice participation has become evident. Instead of fully engaging in team drills, Judon has been primarily involved in conditioning work.

One key factor fueling Judon’s quest for a contract adjustment is the evaluation of his current deal in comparison to other elite edge rushers in the league. According to Perry, Judon’s average annual value ranks a modest 20th among his fellow edge rushers, despite his impressive performance on the field.

The situation has not gone unnoticed by former Patriots Pro-Bowler and coach Bill Belichick’s longtime rival, Asante Samuel, who has weighed in on the matter.

Samuel commented, “Let’s see how much he likes Belichick now,” alluding to the potential test of the Patriots’ reputation for not always acquiescing to players’ financial demands.

Judon answered Samuel that he doesn’t let money effect hiss emotions.

Negotiating a contract adjustment that satisfies both parties may prove to be a delicate balancing act, as Belichick’s fiscally prudent approach to team-building is widely known.

While Matthew Judon’s desire for an improved contract is understandable, it remains to be seen how the Patriots’ management will respond to the request.