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By James Brizuela
Contributing Writer
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The New England Patriots promoted former linebackers coach Jerod Mayo to the head coach in January. Now it appears Mayo has his first big test in handling a disgruntled defensive player.
Longtime star linebacker Matthew Judon apparently walked out of practice Monday amid ongoing contract issues.
Read more: Patriots Star Makes Surprising Decision Whether to Hold Out of Training Camp
Read More on NFL
A video posted by Mike Garafolo appeared to show Judon exchanging words with Mayo, and seemingly getting up to leave. According to Garafolo's post, "Matt Judon arrived at #Patriots camp intent on participating as a sign of good faith while he and the team worked on a deal. They've had talks but it appears from this scene today Judon's patience has worn thin."
There have been plenty of rumors regarding Judon through the offseason. Trade rumors emerged early in the year, and there was a ton of chatter about the linebacker not being happy with his current contract. Though he showed up at training camp practice as a show of "good faith," he spent most of the time sitting on a trash can and watching the other players engage in drills.
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Plenty of players have skipped practice in lieu of a new contract, and it appears Judon will now be added to that list. Instead of completely holding out of training camp, Judon is instead engaging in a "hold in."
This means that Judon will show up to practices and likely attend meetings, but he will not be engaging in practice until the team awards him some sort of a new deal. Judon has been the anchor of the defense since he arrived in 2021.
In three seasons with the Patriots, Judon has secured 32 sacks, two forced fumbles, 133 tackles, 33 tackles for loss, and 62 quarterback hits.
Judon's most successful season came in 2022, when he secured a career-high 15.5 sacks. Despite the strong season, Judon's 2023 was marred by injuries. He secured four sacks in the four games that he played, but sustained a torn bicep tendon in Week 4. He was placed on injured reserve on Oct. 14, 2023.
Many players have been angling for adjusted contracts based on injury concerns and lack of guaranteed money, which is likely what Judon is currently seeking.
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford received an adjusted contract that awarded him more guaranteed money, which could be what Judon is attempting to mimic.
Judon pulled a similar move in 2023 when he engaged in a hold-in to get a new contract, which was granted by the Patriots. His guaranteed money shifted from $2 million to $14 million in 2023. There is no telling if Judon is attempting a similar contract adjustment in 2024, but his current hold-in is very similar to that of the 2023 season.
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