NFL Trade Rumors: New England Patriots and Edge Rusher Matthew Judon "Not Close" In Extension Talks

The New England Patriots are in an awkward spot with one of their veteran stars. According to Fox Sports' Henry McKenna, the team is "not close" in extension talks with four-time Pro Bowl edge rusher Matthew Judon.

Matthew Judon has asked for a new contract and the Patriots have made an offer, according to a source close to the situation. But they are not currently close to agreeing to a new deal.

He's on the final year of his contract and is set to make just $6.5 million in 2024.

— Henry McKenna (@henrycmckenna) July 9, 2024

Judon successfully renegotiated his contract last offseason after attending team practices and activities but refusing to participate. A "hold-in", if you will. Though he failed at the time to get years added to his deal, he did massively increase his guaranteed money in 2023 from $2 million to $14 million. Now, Judon finds himself in the final year of his contract and is set to earn just $6.5 million in salary over the upcoming season.

At nearly 32 years old, Judon enters this year's negotiations in a much weaker position than last summer: He missed 13 games with a biceps injury in 2023. Still, Judon has been a superstar when available for the Patriots, compiling an impressive 32 sacks and 33 tackles for loss over his 38 appearances with the team.

Judon initially joined the Patriots back in 2021 on a four-year, $54.5 million deal after five stand-out seasons with the Baltimore Ravens. Though he has certainly outplayed that contract, teams aren't inclined to pay for past performance.

Though McKenna reports contract talks are progressing amicably, the Patriots are in a delicate situation with Judon. He's been a stud in his relatively brief time on the team, but he's an ageing veteran coming off a significant injury.

With a first-year head coach in Jerod Mayo and a rookie first-round pick quarterback in Drake Maye, the Patriots are clearly in the early stages of a rebuild. Judon simply doesn't fit their timeline anymore. 

Unless the Patriots truly intend to play winning football in 2024, they may be better off unloading Judon. His current contract should be appealing to a contender, and he could really increase his market with a big season. A trade could benefit everyone.