Credit: AP Photo/Danny Karnik
The New England Patriots have reached a two-year contract extension with defensive tackle Davon Godchaux, worth up to $21 million, including $16.5 million guaranteed. This deal, reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter, secures Godchaux’s place on the team for two more seasons.
Importance of Godchaux Amid Barmore’s Absence
Godchaux, 29, was entering the final year of his previous contract, where he was set to make a base salary of $7.15 million with an additional potential $1 million in per-game roster bonuses. He expressed his desire for more respect and recognition, emphasizing his consistent performance in stopping the run over his eight-year NFL career.
“I’ve been consistent playing the run throughout my eight years in the league, and I feel like I’m still in my prime.”
Godchaud specifically pointed to the contract signed by Grover Stewart of the Indianapolis Colts, a three-year, $39 million deal, as a benchmark for his own negotiations. He said, “The run-player market has gone up, too, not just the pass-rush market.”
Securing Godchaux was particularly important for the Patriots, especially after learning that starting defensive tackle Christian Barmore will be out indefinitely due to blood clots. This situation made Godchaux’s presence even more crucial on the defensive line.
There is also uncertainty surrounding outside linebacker Matthew Judon’s contract status. Judon, who has similarly expressed dissatisfaction with his contract, has not practiced recently and was absent from the team on Tuesday. Despite a report suggesting the Patriots made an offer to Judon, his account on X (formerly known as Twitter), which has 132,000 followers, denied the claim.
Last season, Godchaux started all 17 games for the Patriots, playing 60% of the snaps and recording 56 tackles and one sack. His role often involves engaging blockers to free up other players to make defensive plays. Patriots’ first-year coach Jerod Mayo praised Godchaux as one of the team’s top players.
Patriots’ Offseason Moves
The Patriots have been busy re-signing and extending contracts this offseason, with 11 players receiving new deals. Among them was Christian Barmore, who signed a four-year extension worth up to $92 million, with $41.8 million guaranteed. Godchaux’s new deal adds stability to the Patriots’ defensive line as they prepare for the upcoming season.
This report used information from ESPN.
