Latest report on Matthew Judon particularly concerning for Patriots

Linebacker Matthew Judon and the New England Patriots have yet to agree on a contract extension, and according to the Boston Sports Journal’s Greg Bedard, there is a chance Judon could not play under his current deal.

Judon has been a key piece of the Patriots’ defense ever since he arrived in 2021. He has recorded 133 tackles and 32 sacks in three seasons with the team.

He was off to a strong start last season with four sacks and 13 tackles in four games, but his year was cut short by a torn biceps tendon suffered in Week 4 against the Dallas Cowboys.

Now that he is entering the final year of his contract, Bedard indicated there could be a chance he doesn’t take the field under his current deal.

“He may be playing nice publicly. And he has. He has said all of the right things. If you want to believe him, take him at his word, go right ahead. I’m not going to stop you,” said Bedard. “What I can tell you is, from the people I’ve talked to, he is not going to play under his current contract, at least for the Patriots.

“I can’t talk about anyplace else, that’s my understanding. I don’t know exactly what’s been communicated to the team, but that’s my understanding.”

Judon potentially not being on the field would represent a change for the Patriots’ defense considering he’s the team’s top pass-rushing option. This situation is certainly something to monitor, especially with training camp right around the corner.