New England Patriots sign DT Davon Godchaux to 2-year extension

The New England Patriots have signed defensive tackle Davon Godchaux to a two-year extension, Adam Schefter of ESPN reported Wednesday.

The extension is worth up to $21 million and includes $16.5 million in guaranteed money. Godchaux was set to be a free agent in 2025 and didn’t participate in minicamp in June, though he was present.

Godchaux tweeted in June his desire to get something done with the Patriots before training camp.

“Hopefully we can get something done that’s fair to me and my team before camp starts!” Godchaux wrote. “I love NE, I would love to retire here but it’s has to make sense for us! What I do on the football field in the trenches most of time doesn’t show on the stat sheet but turn on the film you will see it if “U know” ball! Would love to finish my career here in NE but it has to make sense to me and my team!”

Godchaux, 29, has turned himself into a key piece of New England’s defense, and has now been rewarded for it. He has suited up in 51 games (50 starts) for the Patriots over the last three seasons. He has tallied 183 tackles (81 solo), 2.5 sacks, nine quarterback hits and one forced fumble. In 2023, he racked up 56 tackles (24 solo), forming one of the league’s best defensive tackles duos alongside Christian Barmore.

Patriots continue spending spree, lock up Davon Godchaux

“Obviously it’s a passing league. Alot of guys get paid big money when they pass rush, which I respect,” Barmore said last week. “But at the end of the day, I feel like you have to be able to stop the run to get to the pass rush. That’s what a lot of people overlook,” he said. “I’ve been consistent playing the run throughout my eight years in the league. And I feel like I’m still in my prime.”

With Barmore sidelined for an unknown amount of time after being treated for blood clots this past weekend, the Patriots will be leaning on Godchaux even more in 2024.

Godchaux joins Barmore, safety Jabrill Peppers, running back Rhamondre Stevenson, center David Andrews, linebacker Jahlani Tavai and safety Kyle Dugger as Patriots who have received contract extensions this offseason.

That list notably does not include edge rusher Matthew Judon. Judon is entering the final year of his four-year, $54.5 million deal. He was not present at Tuesday’s practice. Judon is set to earn $6.5 million in base salary this season, though the deal carries zero guaranteed money.