On Monday, New England Patriots edge rusher Matthew Judon arrived at the team's first padded training camp practice in street clothes. He was sent off the field but had animated conversations with head coach Jerod Mayo and front office executives Eliot Wolf and Matt Groh.
Then, on Tuesday, he was reportedly not in the building. While the team didn't practice on Wednesday, Judon denied a report from The Athletic that the Patriots offered him a new contract this week.
New England is back on the field for training camp on Thursday, and before the session, Mayo addressed the elephant in the room with the media.
"I know a lot of questions today will be about Judon and things like that, but just so you guys know my philosophy and our philosophy is to keep as much internal as possible," Mayo said. "I had a great conversation with Judon, and we're all moving forward. I remember as a player it was always a difficult time when you go through contract negotiations and things like that. In saying that, for the rest of the team, we're pushing forward. I fully expect Matthew to be out here today and participate in practice."
Mayo was asked about Monday's session and spoke about his communications with the player.
"As a first-time head coach and first time in pads, I'll always remember what happened that day," Mayo said. "In saying that, we had a conversation. I have a great relationship with Matthew. I have a great relationship with the players. But, we're moving forward."
How did that conversation go?
"It was good. It was healthy," Mayo said. "I always encourage those guys to come in and speak with me or speak with Eliot. That's what it is. Those things should happen inside of those walls."
Mayo wasn't willing to comment on whether or not Judon's absence on Tuesday was approved or recommended by the team. He also said that any conversations over a reported contract are internal, but he did say that at some point in time, they'll talk to him.
