How Patriots’ Matthew Judon Responded To Contract-Related Questions

FOXBORO, Mass. -- Matthew Judon wants to remain with the Patriots. He prefers to share a locker room with his current New England teammates rather than be traded to a contender.

But Judon, who enters the final year of his contract, doesn't believe the decision is his to make. He expressed Patriots executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf and head coach Jerod Mayo have more of a say in whether or not he remains.

"As much as everyone wants to see me stay around here for a long time, it's really not up to me," Judon said after fully participating in Day 1 of training camp at Gillette Stadium on Wednesday. "I'd pay myself a lot of money and stay around here for a long time, but it's not up to me. So you got to ask those guys making decisions, and they're trying to do what's best for the team -- rightfully so and understandably."

When asked if he wanted to be traded, Judon responded: "Hell naw." Judon joked that he's "lazy" and doesn't want to move again. The real reason is he enjoys his teammates and playing on a knowledgeable defense.

He did admit to seeing trade speculation, though. He mentioned the San Francisco 49ers, Detroit Lions and Atlanta Falcons as the teams he has seen in connection.

Judon deflected when asked if he was optimistic he would get a deal done with the Patriots. He did address one thing head on, however: He feels he's deserving of more than what he's in line to be paid in 2024.

"I've got to, honestly," Judon responded when asked if he would play on his current deal. "I've signed the deal, my signature is on it, so I've got to play on it. Would I like to? No. Do I think that's my value? No. But again, that's not up to me."

Judon enters the season set to earn a $6.5 million base salary with a $14.6 million cap hit, per Spotrac. He's in this position after Bill Belichick's Patriots gave him a cash advance last season, which took money he was owned in 2024.

Mayo confirmed the Patriots are interested in keeping Judon in New England and said the team would do whatever it takes to ensure he's on the field.