Patriots

Matthew Judon explains why he left practice, says he will play despite contract issues

"We had a conversation. I didn’t want to be a distraction to the team so I went inside," Judon said.

Matthew Judon (AP Photo/Steven Senne, File

By Khari Thompson

Matthew Judon explained his side of what happened at Monday’s practice when he left after being spotted having a conversation with coach Jerod Mayo before coming back for an animated conversation with a team executive.

“We had a conversation. I didn’t want to be a distraction to the team so I went inside,” Judon said. “I wasn’t participating in those drills that day, so I went inside and then I got a message so I came back and talked to our GM and then I went back inside.”

Judon jokingly aplogized for appearing animated during the conversation and talking with his hands.

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He was asked if there had been progress made during his contract talks.

“No, I’ve got to play. Didn’t say nothing about (progress),” Judon said. “I’ve got to go out there and play, I’ve got to play the game. I’ve got to do what I’m contractually obligated to do so I don’t lose money.”

After sitting out Monday and Tuesday of last week, Judon has since returned to practice and participated in full pads. He declined to elaborate on the absences, other than saying that there was something going on with him those days.

A reporter asked Judon if the amount of years on a potential new deal would be a sticking point for him. Judon said it didn’t matter because he only has one year left on his current deal.

“I told yall I wanted to stay here for the remainder of my career, so obviously that would equal more,” Judon said. “But, I’ve only got one year left. I think with more years would come more money. That’s usually how a contract works.

“But, it’s not up to me, y’all.”

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During a recent episode of the Shut Up Marc podcast, Judon said that he drew up a contract on his own and sent it to the Patriots. On Monday, he declined to say how much money he asked for, saying that he forgot the amount and that he had it written down on his phone.

He was asked if there were any examples of contracts from similar players that may be within the ballpark of what he’s looking for.

“No. We have a market,” Judon said. “It’s set by the highest guy then everybody falls in line unitil the next person comes up to break that contract. Coming off the season I had, I was injured mostly all season so that’s not really where my market is but like I said I don’t think it’s 6.5 (million base salary).”

Mayo said earlier this week that he believes both sides are at a good place and will continue to push forward.

“Regardless of the emotions that are involved, you try to get to an understanding,” Judon said. “I think that just because we doesn’t agree doesn’t mean we don’t understand each other’s side.”