FOXBORO — The Patriots moved money around to give outside linebacker Matthew Judon a pay raise in 2023, according to ESPN’s Field Yates.
Judon received a $7 million signing bonus as part of his amended contract, per ESPN. That $7 million was made up of $4 million of his 2023 base salary and $3 million of his 2024 base salary. His 2023 base salary was reduced from $11 million to $7 million, and his 2024 base salary was reduced from $9.5 million to $6.5 million.
The deal includes up to $3 million in incentives (up from $500,000) and holds a $16.44 million cap hit. His cap hit was previously over $18 million.
Judon’s new deal includes a higher guarantee and more upside for the edge defender. Since money was borrowed from 2024, the Patriots will likely need to amend his contract again before the 2024 season.
Extra points
Patriots quarterback Bailey Zappe delivered some good news about the offensive install Monday: “We’re way ahead of where we thought we were going to be at. We’re really deep into red zone, third down, open field stuff. … I’m sure there’s more install do be done, but I would say we’re about 80%.” … Defensive tackle Christian Barmore lifted guard Kody Russey off the ground during a 1-on-1 drill Monday during practice by using his counter-hump pass-rush move. The Philadelphia native learned it from studying Hall of Fame pass rusher Reggie White. “That’s the legend, man. I wanted to play football because of him. I never saw him play, but I used to watch his football life. I’ve seen his highlights and fell in love with his game. I fell in love with his style, his game, especially what he did for Philadelphia.” … Mac Jones said he and the Patriots’ receivers would go outside to work out in the rain during the spring this offseason to get accustomed to throwing and catching a wet ball. It paid off in a rainy practice Monday … Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans told NFL Network that rookie C.J. Stroud will start Thursday’s preseason game against the Patriots.
