Patriots four-time Pro Bowler plans to practice amidst contract negotiations

Patriots linebacker Matthew Judon pushed back against a report earlier this offseason that he will refuse to play if he doesn't receive a new contract heading into the final year of his current deal.

"Before yall get on my a** I didn't say that. At all don't let them make me the villain," Judon posted on platform X.

A report on Wednesday supports the idea that the four-time Pro Bowler was serious in that statement.

According to Josina Anderson of CBS Sports, Judon has reported for training camp and "is currently planning to participate in practice while talks continue over his contract."

However, to what extent Judon will practice remains up for debate. Last season, he reportedly limited himself during training camp while awaiting a contract adjustment.

Judon could do the same this year, as he is set to make just $6.5 million in base salary without any guarantees.

The 31-year-old is coming off a career-low four sacks in 2023 but that was because he suffered a torn lower bicep in Week 4. During his previous two seasons in New England, he registered 120 tackles, 28 sacks, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.

If Judon can return to his 2021-22 form, he'll be worth every penny of a potential contract extension, but that comes at a risk with him entering his ninth season in the league.

Nonetheless, head coach Jerod Mayo seems confident they'll get something done with Judon along with defensive tackle Davon Godchaux.

"Look, the relationship is still good, at least from my perspective," Mayo said via Karen Guregian of MassLive.com. "I know their teammates definitely respect them. Those are valuable pieces of this organization, and they've done a lot for us. Hopefully, we can get something done, and those guys are here. I want them here. Eliot (Wolf) wants them here. The team wants them here. There is a business aspect to everything though."