Every NFL team’s highest salary for the 2023 season
By Nick Villano
New England Patriots: Matthew Judon — $18.1 million
This one is getting interesting, as the New England Patriots and Matthew Judon could be headed to a new contract negotiation. Judon was the one true slam dunk during the Patriots’ 2021 free agent spending spree. He’s been the heart and soul of a Patriots defense that is keeping them in games. He deserves a pay bump, but that never pushed Bill Belichick in the past.
Judon didn’t practice in the first two days of training camp, but he is back in full force as he and the Patriots work towards a deal. He probably wants more guaranteed money, as there’s just $2 million left in the final two years of his deal total. This number might change, and Judon might also get a longer contract.
For now, Judon is the top guy in terms of cap hit. He’s probably the best player on the team, so seeing him make this money is a feel-good story in New England. After years of underpaying stars, Judon is getting the bag.
We’ll see how negotiations go. This isn’t 2006, or Judon would probably be in Seattle right now. Thankfully for Patriots fans, it’s 2023 and Belichick needs Judon.