Contract disputes distract Patriots’ first padded practice of training camp

FOXBORO — During the Patriots’ first padded practice of training camp, attention was focused on the drama off the field surrounding outside linebacker Matthew Judon and defensive tackle Davon Godchaux.

It was hard not to be distracted by off-field matters when the Patriots took the field Monday. NFL superagent Drew Rosenhaus, who represents five Patriots players, including Godchaux, was in attendance with his brother, Jason, in the friends and family area.

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Godchaux, who’s entering the final year of his contract, sounded off last week saying, “I just want some respect,” as he seeks guaranteed money.

The Rosenhaus brothers spoke to Patriots director of player personnel Matt Groh in the friends and family area before Robyn Glaser, the Patriots’ EVP, football business and senior advisor to the head coach, joined the discussion. After the chat was over, Jason Rosenhaus was led to the facility by a Patriots scout.

Judon, who said last week that he doesn’t want to play on his current contract, entered practice in sweats and wearing a baseball cap and a lap around the field, including in front of the media, before he sat on practice mats while the rest of the team stretched. Judon had a lengthy discussion with head coach Jerod Mayo while the rest of the team participated in special teams and individual drills before leaving practice. He returned in a t-shirt, hat, sweats and slide sandals and walked over to Groh and Patriots executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf on the sideline. Judon had his back turned to the media but appeared to be animated in his conversation with the two team personnel executives before walking back across the practice field and down the stairs towards the team facility.

The Patriots borrowed money from Judon’s 2024 salary to give him a raise last offseason.

Godchaux wore a jersey, shoulder pads and a helmet to the padded practice but did not appear to be in leg pads. He participated in practice, unlike Judon. Judon had, up to this point, been a full participant in practice, so it’s difficult to categorize him as a hold in.

Judon is one of the Patriots’ best defenders and their top pass rusher. Godchaux is a starting nose tackle paramount to the Patriots’ run defense. Keeping both players on the roster became even more important after Sunday’s news that defensive tackle Christian Barmore was diagnosed with blood clots. Mayo said Monday that the team has no timetable for Barmore’s return.

Safety Jabrill Peppers, another top defender, didn’t finish practice Monday.

Mayo told reporters Monday, “We’re going to lean on our defense this year.” That will become difficult if the unit is not at full capacity.

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