Davon Godchaux, Patriots agree on 2-year, $21 million extension

ESPN’s Adam Schefter is reporting veteran defensive tackle Davon Godchaux and the New England Patriots have agreed to a two-year contract extension worth up to $21 million. Schefter also reports the contract includes $16.5 million in guaranteed money.

Both ahead of and throughout training camp, Godchaux’s contract situation has been a major point of conversation around the team. Head coach Jerod Mayo has been asked about Godchaux’s contract during multiple media availabilities , and Godchaux himself held an impromptu press conference to talk about his gripes after day three of camp. And on day five, Godchaux was seen conferencing with his agent Drew Rosenhaus and Mayo on the sidelines after practice.

Now, Godchaux can head into his fourth season with the Patriots with more money in his pocket, and peace of mind knowing he will be in Foxborough after this season. During his impromptu press conference on day three, he said New England was the place he wanted to spend the rest of his career, calling it “football heaven.”

Had this extension not gotten done, Godchaux’s contract was set to expire at the end of the 2024 season, making the 29-year-old an unrestricted free agent. Godchaux turns 30 in November.

This extension is the latest of many for players on defense for the Patriots, as this offseason has been filled with new money for New England’s strongest side of the football.

New defensive deals from this offseason include:

• Jabrill Peppers (3 years, $24 million)

• Christian Barmore (4 years, $84 million)

• Kyle Dugger (4 years, $58 million)

• Jahlani Tavai (3 years, $16 million)

• Anfernee Jennings (3 years, $12 million)

Godchaux’s new deal on Thursday comes on the same day as fellow veteran defensive lineman Matthew Judon publicly calling out The Athletic’s Dianna Russini on X for reporting the Patriots “have made an offer” to him.

“No they haven’t but it makes me look bad again. Don’t believe the lies,” Judon said in a reply to a post on X about Russini’s report.

So at least one distraction on the defensive line has been taken care of by the Patriots front office. How they will handle the other distraction remains to be seen.