Matthew Judon is just not thinking about taking part in the unhealthy man.
The eight-year NFL veteran, recognized for his playful social media presence, lately posted some cryptic messages that sparked hypothesis about his future with the Patriots.
Nonetheless, on Saturday, he squashed these rumors through X.
“Earlier than yall get on my ass I didn’t say that. In any respect don’t allow them to make me the villain,” he wrote.
Judon’s social media replace appeared to straight dispute a report from Patriots insider Greg Bedard on his “Greg Bedard Patriots Podcast,” which aired Saturday morning.
“What I do know is he could also be taking part in good publicly. And he has, he mentioned all the suitable issues. You wanna imagine him, take him at his phrase? Go proper forward, I’m not going to cease you,” Bedard mentioned.
“However what I can inform you is from the folks that I’ve talked to, he isn’t going to play beneath his present contract. At the least for the Patriots. I can’t discuss anyplace else. That’s my understanding. I don’t know precisely what’s been communicated to the workforce, however that’s my understanding.”
Judon, 31, is within the ultimate 12 months of his four-year, $54.5 million contract with New England.
Final 12 months, he renegotiated the deal he initially signed with the franchise in 2021, going from $2 million to $14 million assured.
Judon is at present assured $6.5 million for this season.
Whereas Judon suffered a bicep damage final season and solely appeared in 4 video games, the linebacker has totaled 32 sacks, 133 mixed tackles and 49 assists throughout his three seasons with New England.
A fan expressed concern final week that the workforce’s protection would battle with out Judon, advocating for a contract extension. Judon replied, “Ion assume that’s about to occur.”
He then posted a GIF that includes cartoon character SpongeBob SquarePants with the caption, “Ight imma head out.”
It’s clear the four-time Professional Bowl linebacker, who’s slated to change into a free agent after the 2024 season, would ideally like to determine a brand new deal earlier than the season kicks off.
The Patriots, who’re beginning a post-Invoice Belichick transition interval, try to bounce again after a 4-13 season that noticed them end final within the AFC East.
The Patriots start coaching camp on July 24 and whether or not or not Judon reveals up will probably be a powerful indicator of his stage of discontent.
New England kicks off preseason towards the Panthers on Aug. 8 and open the common season on the street towards the Bengals on Sept. 8.