Patriots

Here’s what Patriots lineman Davon Godchaux said about his contract extension

"I just wanted some guaranteed money. I'm glad we got it figured out and moving forward in the right direction."

Davon Godchaux Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images

August 1, 2024

Patriots defensive lineman Davon Godchaux said he didn’t get everything that he wanted during his contract negotiations, but ultimately was able to reach a deal with the team.

Godchaux signed a two-year, $21 million contract extension with the Patriots earlier this week.

“My wife made me realize something,” Godchaux said. “Every time you’re not going to always get what you want but always be grateful for it. So, I’m grateful for her words and I’m grateful for my agent working it out with the Patriots, Eliot Wolf and Matt Groh. I’m glad we got something done.”

Coach Jerod Mayo said he is happy that the dispute has been settled. Godchaux started all 17 games for New England last season, tallying 56 tackles and contributing heavily to one of the NFL’s top run defenses.

“Well, the thing about Godchaux is he’s a huge piece of what we do,” Mayo said. “Look, it’s never a – well, at least for me – it’s never been just a clean process of, ‘Alright, you want a deal? Here’s a deal. Alright, we’re done.’ So, this was a little bit more extensive, but I’m happy to have him here. I’m happy to have Davon here happy and ready to go. So, it’s good.”

Earlier in training camp, Godchaux said he was looking for respect and stability. The Patriots upped his guaranteed money to $16.5 million over the course of the new deal.

“As we know, the position that I play is very brutal,” Godchaux said. “There’s double teams all the time. Always getting hit. I just wanted some guaranteed money. I’m glad we got it figured out and moving forward in the right direction.”

While expressing displeasure with his old contract, Godchaux attended camp sessions with shoulder pads on and participated in drills. Mayo said the way Godchaux handled things helped during the negotiations.

“Yeah, that is our philosophy,” Mayo said. “And once again, this isn’t unique to the New England Patriots as far as guys wanting a new contract. But he handled it like a professional in the classroom and out here on the field. He was out here in full pads participating in everything, and that definitely helps.”

With his deal done, Godchaux says he is ready to focus on the upcoming season.

“Back to football,” Godchaux said. “I don’t have to worry about my agent giving me a call saying ‘hey, I talked to Matt Groh and Eliot Wolf’. I’m glad we got it figured out and ready to get back to football.”