ESPN’s Adam Schefter is reporting that the Patriots and four time Pro-Bowl defensive end Matthew Judon have agreed to a contract adjustment that will take Judon’s original $2 million in guaranteed money for 2023 to $14 million guaranteed. The adjustment allows Judon to make up to $18 million dollars this season.

Judon’s contract has been hovering over the Patriots since the start of training camp. He has been a limited participant thus far at practices and some have speculated that he might have been “Holding-In” for a pay raise.  It is unclear if that is the case. To his credit, Judon has avoided talking about it and the Patriots have been mum as well.

Judon signed a four year, $54 million dollar contract in March of 2021. He has outperformed that contract so far racking up 28 sacks in two seasons. He has been one of the best defensive players in the NFL and a Defensive Player of the Year Candidate.

Judon attended tonight’s in-stadium practice but did not participate. The expectation  is that Judon will resume practicing next week assuming he is fully healthy.

Judon is scheduled to become a free agent after the 2024 season. He is scheduled to earn $9.5 million in base salary next season and $4.5 million in bonuses.