New England Patriots starting defensive tackle Davon Godchaux , who enters the final year of his contract, said Friday that he's still seeking an upgraded deal.
"It's frustrating playing out here with no guaranteed money. I consider myself one of the dominant run players in the league," he said. "I just want some respect."
Godchaux, who turns 30 in November, is scheduled to earn a base salary of $7.15 million this season and has the chance to earn an additional $1 million in per-game roster bonuses.
He started all 17 games for the Patriots last season, playing 60% of the snaps and totaling 56 tackles and one sack. The 6-foot-3, 330-pound Godchaux hasn't missed a game over the past three seasons since signing a free agent contract in New England. A significant part of his job responsibility is to tie up blockers so teammates can make plays behind him.
"Obviously it's a passing league -- a lot of guys get paid big money when they pass rush, which I respect. But at the end of the day, I feel like you have to be able to stop the run to get to the pass rush. That's what a lot of people overlook," he said. "I've been consistent playing the run throughout my eight years in the league and I feel like I'm still in my prime."
The Patriots have re-signed or extended the contracts of 11 different players this offseason, and their cash spending ranks among the top 10 teams in the NFL. Defensive tackle Christian Barmore , who has been mentored by Godchaux, was part of that group as he agreed to a four-year extension that could be worth up to $92 million and includes $41.8 million in guaranteed money.
Godchaux said those deals are independent of his situation and that he's confident his agent Drew Rosenhaus and the Patriots will keep working toward a resolution.
"There's been a lot of back and forth but it's not an even ground right now. It hasn't been a standstill process," he said. "I would love to retire here. I have a lot more years in me. In this system, I feel like I can play a long time. Obviously, Vince [Wilfork] played a long time and I feel like I can play as long as him, even longer."
Godchaux pointed to contracts signed by the Colts ' Grover Stewart (3 years, $39 million with $25.7 million guaranteed) and the Browns ' Dalvin Tomlinson (4 years, $57 million with $27.5 million guaranteed) as those he views as the market for a player of his caliber.
"The run-player market has gone up too, not just the pass-rush market," Godchaux said. "I have no doubt the Patriots and Drew will get a deal done. If not, it's a business. I'm not going to be sad and angry. Still love them but I just have to do what's best for me."
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