The New England Patriots agreed to a two-year extension with defensive tackle Davon Godchaux, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Schefter reported the deal is worth as much as $21 million and includes $16.5 million guaranteed. Godchaux was due to be a free agent in 2025 and count for $11.8 million against the cap in the upcoming season.
Wednesday's agreement comes as New England is locked in a stalemate with another defender in the last year of his deal, linebacker Matthew Judon.
Dianna Russini@DMRussiniMatthew Judon was absent from yesterday's practice because he seeks a revised contract. Since then the Patriots have made an offer, per source. <br>This could help move things in the right direction.
The Patriots' front seven also suffered a blow when the team announced defensive tackle Christian Barmore is out indefinitely after being diagnosed with blood clots. Barmore, who led the team with 8.5 sacks, penned a four-year extension worth up to $92 million in April.
In the case of Godchaux, New England avoids the kind of standoff in which it finds itself with Judon.
Last week, the 29-year-old spoke publicly about his annoyance with his contract situation.
"It's frustrating playing out here with no guaranteed money," he told reporters. "I consider myself one of the dominant run players in the league. I just want some respect."
The two-year pact takes care of that concern.
Godchaux has been a consistent presence along the Pats' defensive line since signing with the team in 2021. He hasn't missed a game and has 183 tackles and 2.5 sacks in a New England uniform.
The 6'3", 330-pound lineman also deserves a lot of credit for the Patriots being an elite run defense team in 2023. They allowed the fourth-fewest rushing yards per game (93.2) and were first in yards per carry (3.3).
This offseason has allowed the organization to set a new tone in more ways than one with legendary coach Bill Belichick gone.
The contractual drama surrounding both Judon and Godchaux, along with head coach Jerod Mayo's willingness to address it publicly, is something that didn't happen as much with Belichick running the show.
Inking at least Godchaux to a new deal sends an encouraging message to the other vets on the roster.
