The Matthew Judon contract sideshow has reached social media.
The New England Patriots outside linebacker wasn't present for Tuesday's training camp practice as he seeks a new contract, and our Phil Perry reported Tuesday there's a "sizable gap" between what Judon wants and what the Patriots have offered him.
According to The Athletic's Dianna Russini, however, the Patriots "made an offer" to Judon at some point after Tuesday's practice that "could help move things in the right direction."
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That seems like a positive development -- but Judon says it's not true.
"No they haven’t but it makes me look bad again," Judon posted on Twitter/X in response to a fan reacting to Russini's report that the Patriots had made Judon an offer. "Don’t believe the lies."
UPDATE (3:15 p.m. ET): In a follow-up post on Twitter/X, Russini clarified Judon was offered "a few revised contracts ... before training camp," but he and the Patriots have yet to agree on terms.
Whether the Patriots actually have offered Judon a new deal or not, it sounds like the 31-year-old veteran isn't on the verge of signing a new contract. Yet as Perry reiterated Wednesday, Judon isn't necessarily a threat to be traded at this time.
Judon is making just $6.5 million in base salary entering the final year of his contract, which is below the market rate for a four-time Pro Bowler who racked up 28 sacks in 2021 and 2022 combined. So, Judon's frustration is understandable, especially as he watches several of his Patriots teammates receive new deals.
"You kind of look at everybody around the league and in the building and you see them getting deals done and worked out, and it's tough to not be jealous or envious," Judon told reporters last week.
New England is still in a tricky spot, though; Judon missed 13 games last season due to a biceps injury and turns 32 next month, so Eliot Wolf and Co. may not want to pay him like a top-15 pass-rusher in the NFL.
The Patriots have an off-day Wednesday, so it'll be worth monitoring whether Judon is back with team Thursday for the next camp practice.
