In a surprising turn of events, the Pro Bowl linebacker for the New England Patriots was noticeably absent from Gillette Stadium on Tuesday. The mysterious absence of this key player raised eyebrows and sent shockwaves through the football community.
According to a report by Phil Perry of NBC Sports, the 31-year-old linebacker was nowhere to be found at the team facility when his teammates began preparing for the sixth session of the summer. This absence marked a stark departure from his previous attendance at training camp, where he had participated in the first four practices with varying levels of engagement.
However, on Monday, Judon was conspicuously absent from practice. During the first padded session of the year, he remained on the sideline, engaged in a heated exchange with head coach Jerod Mayo, and ultimately left the field. He later returned briefly to speak with EVP of player personnel Eliot Wolf and director of player personnel Matt Groh before ultimately departing for good.
The following day, fans and teammates alike were left wondering about Judon’s whereabouts. It appears that the linebacker and the Patriots are at an impasse in contract negotiations, with Judon seeking an extension and a pay raise as he enters the final year of his current deal.
Having signed a four-year, $54.5 million contract in 2021, Judon’s deal has been adjusted twice but has not been extended, leaving him set to enter free agency next year. Despite his Pro Bowl caliber play, he is set to earn just $7.5 million in 2024, ranking him 41st among all NFL edge defenders.
In a candid moment with reporters last week, Judon expressed his frustration with his contract situation, saying, “Honestly, it’s tough going into the last year of a deal. You kind of look at everybody around the league and in the building, and you see them getting deals done and worked out. And it’s tough to not be jealous or envious or something like that.”
As the Patriots prepare to return to the practice field on Thursday, the big question remains: Will Judon make a return to action, or will his absence continue to linger over the team? Stay tuned for updates as this story continues to unfold in New England.