As expected, Patriots linebacker Matthew Judon was on hand for the start of mandatory minicamp on Monday, with head coach Jerod Mayo saying, “Everyone’s here. Full attendance.”
Mayo told reporters on Monday that the energy Judon provides is definitely something that is noticeable, and he’s glad to have him on hand.
“It’s great to have Judon and his energy in the building,” said Mayo. “He was here at times during the rest of the spring, but it’s good to have him over the next couple of days.”
Judon heads into this season in the final year of his contract, with the possibility of an extension being a remaining issue that continues to hang out there. He’s currently slated to make $6.5 million in base salary for 2024, which is well below the market value of most pass-rushers of his stature.
Despite his season-ending elbow injury in Week 4 of last season in Dallas, the veteran certainly put up numbers that show the value he provides. Judon had 4 sacks along with 9 QB hits and a safety in four games last season, finishing just behind Ja’Whaun Bentley and Deatrich Wise Jr., who each finished the season second on the team with 4.5 sacks. Christian Barmore finished with a team-high 8.5 sacks last season.
The 24-year-old Barmore was rewarded with a four-year contract extension this offseason, while the 31-year Judon is still waiting for the club to help him finish his career in New England.
For now, it’s a key stretch, with Mayo saying the team will have two practices instead of the reported three for this week.
Meanwhile, Wednesday’s ceremony for Tom Brady is expected to be a huge celebration, with a significant amount of former players expected to be on hand. Mayo admitted there’s something special planned on his part of things for the ceremony.
“Honestly, I just want to go and be a fan, but they have me doing something,” said Mayo. “I’m a huge Tom Brady fan, just on and off on the field. And I would also say I’m excited to see all the guys that come in to support Tom. He was a great teammate, a great leader of men, and he deserves it. He deserves to be recognized.”
As for what he’ll be doing? Mayo wouldn’t say.
“I’m going to sing a song,” joked Mayo. “No, it’s going to be simple. It’s going to be simple. It’s not about me. It’s about Tom, and it’s about ownership and the team. I’m excited to see how many past players actually come.”
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Ian Logue is a Seacoast native and owner and senior writer for PatsFans.com, an independent media site covering the New England Patriots and has been running this site in one form or another since 1997.
