FOXBORO — For the second time in three days, a Patriots defender offered refreshingly candid comments about his ongoing contract dispute with the team.
On Friday, it was Davon Godchaux.
Like veteran outside linebacker Matt Judon, Godchaux wants an extension with the Patriots and said he could see himself retiring in New England. Both players are in the final years of their respective deals.
Godchaux, 29, received a 2-year, $20.8 million extension in the summer of 2022 that made him one of the highest-paid nose tackles in the league. Godchaux is currently set to earn a $7.15 million base salary this season, though none of it is guaranteed. Guaranteed money is at the heart of his dispute with the front office, which Godchaux said has been in regular contact with his agent Drew Rosenhaus.
“I just want some respect,” Godchaux said.
Godchaux was a full participant at Friday’s practice after sitting out Thursday. Head coach Jerod Mayo said his absence was not contract-related, though the 29-year-old admitted it’s difficult practicing without a new deal. Before Friday’s practice, news broke that the Patriots reached a 3-year, $24 million extension with safety Jabrill Peppers, the latest in a year full of them.
“It’s frustrating playing out here with no guaranteed money, but I’m going to put it in Drew’s hands,” Godchaux said. “He’s going to do his best with it.”
Godchaux pointed to recent deals for Colts defensive tackle Grover Stewart (3 years, $39 million with $17.99 million guaranteed) and Browns defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson (4 years, $57 million with $27.5 million guaranteed) as acceptable frameworks for his next contract. Stewart re-signed with Indianapolis in March, while Tomlinson inked his deal last year as one of the most sought-after free agents available.
Since signing his extension, Godchaux has started every game for the Patriots, totaling 118 tackles, 1.5 sacks and four QB hits. As the Pats’ starting nose tackle, Godchaux acts as the central force in the team’s run defense. While the Patriots’ run defense has annually ranked among the league’s best, Godchaux ranks around league average in various individual run-stopping metrics among defensive tackles, per Pro Football Focus and other football analytics companies.
“I would love to be here,” he said, “but at the end of the day, it’s a business.”