The Patriots’ extension binge continues. One in every of the 2 disgruntled defenders who had not been participating fully at practice, Davon Godchaux has agreed to terms on a second Pats extension.
Godchaux, who had previously signed a Recent England re-up in 2022, will now be tied to a two-year, $16.5MM deal, ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter reports. Joining Matt Judon in angling for a brand new contract, Godchaux can earn as much as $21MM on his third Patriots agreement. This contract ties the veteran defensive tackle to the team through the 2026 season.
Although Godchaux didn’t take part in Patriots minicamp, he was not a full-on hold-in at training camp. The previous Dolphins starter had participated in some drills since camp opened, making a far less contentious contract situation in comparison with Judon’s. The latter has gone from practicing to holding in to missing a practice as a consequence of contract frustration. It should be value wondering how one more Patriots payment will affect Judon, a free agent after this season.
For those keeping track, the Patriots have now either re-signed or prolonged Christian Barmore ($21MM per 12 months), Michael Onwenu ($19MM AAV), Kyle Dugger ($14.5MM), Rhamondre Stevenson ($9MM), Hunter Henry ($9MM) and Jabrill Peppers ($8.3MM). Additionally they re-upped Kendrick Bourne in free agency, giving the veteran wide receiver a $6.5MM-per-year accord. It is a remarkable turn of events — not only as a consequence of the Pats’ Bill Belichick-era past but after a 4-13 season.
While Judon is coming off a season-ending injury sustained early in Belichick’s finale, Godchaux has been a durable component of strong defenses. He has not missed a game as a Patriot, operating as a gentle nose tackle in three years since relocating from Miami. Known for his work against the run, Godchaux now has security going into his age-30 season.
Godchaux’s presence suddenly became more essential after recent about Barmore’s blood clot issue surfacing. The previous has operated more as a run stuffer, with the latter leading the 2023 Pats in sacks (8.5). Jerod Mayo referred to Godchaux as considered one of the team’s best players. Although Pro Football Focus was not high on Godchaux’s 2023 work, rating him 102nd amongst interior D-linemen, the Patriots disagree and pays him once more. This follows Godchaux’s two-year, $20.8MM agreement that got here to pass two Julys ago.
It should be interesting to see how the Judon impasse ends, however the Pats have displayed tremendous commitment to the core Belichick formed. They’re betting Mayo’s leadership — and improved quarterback play — will lead to a turnaround.
