The New England Patriots are expected to be more competitive this season after changing things up over the offseason. After 24 seasons, Bill Belichick is not the head coach anymore and the organization will have a different feel to it.
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Belichick is arguably the greatest coach in NFL history but it was time for him to step away. Former linebacker Jerod Mayo takes over the team and he is ready to continue in the footsteps of his predecessor.
For Mayo to have success in his first season, he will need everyone on the team on the same page and that starts with the stars on the roster. On defense, linebacker Matthew Judon headlines that title.
Judon has been dealing with a contract dispute but plans on attending training camp instead of holding out. He offered a refreshing response to why he decided to attend while undergoing contract issues.
“My signature’s on it, so I got to play on it,” Judon said Wednesday, via The Associated Press. “Do I think that’s my value? No. But, again, that’s not up to me. I hope I can continue to play here and be a catalyst to one of the best defenses in the league. If that’s not the case, that’s not the case. It’s hard not to be jealous or envious. But honestly, I’ve got to focus on myself. As much as everyone would like me to stay around here for a long time, it’s not up to me. I would pay myself a lot of money and be cool with it.”
Judon was limited to just four games this past season due to injury, which is likely part of why the Patriots are hesitant to give him a new, lucrative contract. The veteran will be 32 once training camp commences so he may need to prove that he can still be a dominant force on defense.
Last season, Judon only managed 13 total tackles and four sacks during his time on the field. His average of one sack per game was strong but the Patriots want to be careful with the salary books going forward. Judon provided an update on his injury status, saying he feels good health-wise.
“Health-wise, I feel good. I rehabbed the injury very hard and very intense,” Judon said. “It’s important for me to get back out here with the guys. I missed football.”
He is set to make $6.5 million in 2024, which is well below the league average for edge rushers on the same level as him. Judon is a big team player and knows that his presence in camp will make a difference instead of solely focusing on his contract dispute.
The hope for the Patriots is that Judon’s unhappiness doesn’t bleed into other areas of the team. Winning tends to cure all but the Patriots are still a work in progress before they can become true contenders once again.
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