Heading into training camp, the Patriots appear to have yet another contract situation they’ll need to figure out.
Veteran defensive lineman Davon Godchaux was spotted during minicamp with his helmet on and not his jersey, leading some to believe that there might be an issue with his contract.
Godchaux, who signed a two-year, $20.8 million extension back in 2022, is apparently not pleased about heading into the upcoming 2024 in the final year of his deal.
He replied to a Tweet Monday night by NFL writer Dan Kelley, saying he’s hopeful a deal gets done before camp starts.
“Hopefully we can get something done that’s fair to me and my team before camp starts!” wrote Godchaux. “I love NE, I would love to retire here but it’s has to make sense for us! What I do on the football field in the trenches most of time doesn’t show on the stat sheet but turn on the film you will see it if “U know” ball! Would love to finish my career here in NE but it has to make sense to me and my team!”
Godchaux played a key role in New England’s success along the defensive line in 2023, with the club finishing fourth in the league in average rushing yards allowed (93.2). He also finished with 56 tackles, just eight shy of fellow teammate Christian Barmore who ended up with 64 on the season. However, Barmore also tallied 8.5 sacks along with 16 quarterback hits and six passes defended, making him a serious problem against opponents.
But Godchaux had his moments. He led all Patriots defensive linemen in tackles on first down in 2023, totaling 30 tackles, including one quarterback hit and a tackle for a loss. Those efforts helped set the tone early, and he was quietly a key contributor up front for a group that ended up being the lone bright spot in an otherwise forgettable 4-13 season.
Now, Godchaux is looking to be rewarded for those efforts, setting up what should be an interesting stretch ahead of camp.
Following Godchaux’s extension two years ago, former head coach Bill Belichick had high praise for the veteran, calling him one of the best in the league at his position.
“Well, he’s one of the best defensive linemen in the league,” said Belichick at the time. “Glad we were able to work that out with Davon and Drew [Rosenhaus]. Obviously, both sides are happy.”
That sentiment feels like it’s carried over with new head coach Jerod Mayo, who also had praise for Godchaux and sounded optimistic that he’d be out there at some point.
“Yeah, DG, look, we want him here,” said Mayo two weeks ago. “He’s one of our best players. He’s working. I will say that, he is working. He’s here every single day, has been here every single day, and look forward to getting him on the field in camp.”
One challenge may simply be the fact the value Godchaux believes he has may not be in line with where the team is at. Mayo was asked about if Godchaux’s appearance but lack of participation was similar to what happened with Matthew Judon last year after Judon was present but also remained a spectator during his own dispute.
Mayo dismissed that notion. But he also added that situations like these are complicated due to the fact that teams need to make evaluations when it comes to value, which is something he’s beginning to get immersed in now that he’s a head coach.
“I wouldn’t put it in those words,” said Mayo of the similarities between Godchaux and Judon. “Look, there are guys that, obviously, they want to redo contracts and stuff like that. And not just DG, it’s a bunch of guys that want to do those things. And we’re working through it.”
“Eliot and his staff, they do a great job as far as handling that. I don’t get into the player contracts. What I will say is, one thing I’ve learned is sometimes the value that the team has on a person is a little bit different than the value that the market has on a person. And so those are just things I’m learning, guys. Like I told you guys before, I’m green, but I’m learning. I’m evolving, and these are the conversations that have to be had.”
(Editor’s note: Portions of the above appeared in this morning’s Daily Patriots News and Notes column)
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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.
Godshaux has a bit of leverage on the pats in terms of the pats being thin on DTs inside that can play 1st down and short/running downs. Especially given Lawrence Guy’s departure. But this is a slippery slope when you get a list of guys with sit-in issues. Especially guys that got paid decent scale contracts already. The cap does not allow to many stars or highly paid players, else you have end to end roster gaps and depth issue. Belichick managed the roster for depth and tried to ‘peanut butter’ spready the cap across the 53 man squad and… Read more »