Patriots’ Jerod Mayo (Partly) Disputes Popular Contract Theory

The Patriots settled one of their contract disputes Wednesday, reportedly agreeing to terms with defensive tackle Davon Godchaux on a two-year contract extension.

It’s been said the deal came at an interesting — and perhaps intentional — time for New England.

Godchaux’s extension was announced within days of two notable developments along the defensive front. The Patriots revealed Christian Barmore would be sidelined indefinitely due to blood clots Sunday, which was just one day prior to Matthew Judon and Jerod Mayo’s tiff at practice — seemingly escalating that contract dispute.

Did either have to do with Godchaux’s deal?

No, not entirely.

“I mean, honestly, those are two different types of players,” Mayo said when asked about the parallels between Godchaux and Barmore on Thursday, per team-provided video. “The one thing about having DG back is that it does provide stability up front, but by committee we’ll have to replace the production of Christian.”

Mayo was adamant about keeping Godchaux and Judon’s situations separate, only discussing questions related to their contracts individually. It did seem like at least one response was aimed at both, though.

“(Godchaux) handled it like a professional, both in the classroom and out on the field,” Mayo said. “He was out here in full pads, participating and everything. It definitely helps.”

Judon, of course, missed practice on both Monday and Tuesday before eventually returning Thursday. Read into that what you will.

The Patriots will practice again Friday, which will be the true test as to whether Judon has moved past his not-so-serious attempt at holding out.