Patriots DC defends Matthew Judon amid looming contract issues

New England Patriots defensive coordinator DeMarcus Covington is pleased with the way linebacker Matthew Judon has handled his business on the field.

Judon’s unresolved contract has been a key storyline throughout training camp. The linebacker has since been practicing with the team after somewhat of a rocky start. Cameras caught him having an animated exchange with coach Jerod Mayo and leaving the field during a training camp practice in late July.

However, since that incident, Judon has returned with the intention to play out the final year of his contract. He is coming off a season in 2023 that saw him record 13 combined tackles and four sacks. He suffered a biceps injury last October that kept him out for the rest of the season.

Covington has his player’s back, and he made that clear when speaking with the media, via Boston.com’s Khari A. Thompson.

“For us and the defensive staff, he’s been Judon. He’s been Matt Judon,” said Covington. “He’s been great in the classroom. He’s been great for us on the practice field. I look at it like this, we all have bad days, right? If I asked any of you guys, all of you guys would raise your hand that you’ve had a bad day. Unfortunately for him, his bad day will be on camera. Just like our bad days will be behind doors.”

A healthy and motivated Judon will be an important piece for the Patriots’ defense in 2024. It sounds as though he is giving it his all, even with the contract situation still looming.