The standoff between Matthew Judon and Bill Belichick appears to be over after the edge rusher secured a $14,000,000 guaranteed contract before the start of the season. However, former New England Patriots cornerback Asante Samuel Sr. points out that it’s the beginning of another standoff. A standoff, which will erupt again next year when the deal is over.
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According to NFL insider Adam Schefter, Matthew Judon and the Patriots have reached an agreement where the four-time pro bowler will earn $12 million more in guaranteed money in 2023 after a contract readjustment. The revised deal accounts for a $4 million raise to Judon. This revised deal came days after Judon missed multiple OTA and practice sessions incurring a fine of $50,000 each day with the Patriots. However, Asante Samuel Sr. believes that the problem is just half solved as it’s a “Bill Belichick-friendly contract.”
Asante Samuel Sr. Exposes Matthew Judon’s ‘Bill Belichick Friendly Contract’
Asante Samuel who was once Tom Brady’s teammate with the New England Patriots has always been vocal about Bill Belichick’s wrath on the players. And just as always he lands another zinger on the Patriots coach. Despite Judon bagging more money Samuel is not impressed with what the Patriots have offered to the star edge rusher.
“One year 4 mill raise… not a new contract, we have the same problem again next year. That is definitely a Bill Belichick-friendly contract,” Asante Samuel tweeted. Samuel pointed out the one-year deal offered by Belichick to a generational talent in the Patriots roster. Samuel believes that this deal is more in favor of Bill Belichick than Matthew Judon since the standoff will happen again next year.
Judon started off his career with the Baltimore Ravens in 2016 where he unlocked his true potential. However, after the end of his rookie contract, he was traded to the Patriots where he signed a four-year deal worth $56 million. Judon has shown his true value, especially with the Patriots. He has led the team in sacks with 12.5 sacks and 15.5 sacks in the past two years, ultimately becoming only the fourth player in Patriots history with double-digit sacks in two consecutive years.
Rob Gronkowski Wasn’t Happy With Judon-Belichick Standoff
Judon has been an asset for the Patriots and Rob Gronkowski knows that. The Patriots legend wasn’t happy with how the drama unfurled as Matthew Judon was not seen practicing during the team’s practice sessions amidst his contract standoff.
“That’s silly,” Gronkowski said on ‘Dan & Ninko’ podcast. “I don’t know. Just go hold out. You don’t want to get fined, but you’re asking for more money, but you don’t want to get fined? Well, if you’re asking for more money, then be a boss and ask them to cancel the fines out when you get a new deal or something. I don’t know. It’s a weird situation, it’s silly.”
Judon has certainly received a well-deserved contract but it will be seen what unfolds next season when his one-year deal comes to an end.
