Davon Godchaux suited up for practice Friday after sitting out Thursday’s practice with what coach Jerod Mayo described as tightness.
Godchaux was at Thursday’s practice but did not participate. Mayo said that didn’t have anything to do with the defensive tackle’s contract situation.
However, it is clear that Godchaux has an issue with his contract. He voiced his frustration after practice.
“I mean, it’s frustrating but I’m going to give it to my agent,” Godchaux said. “I’m going to let Drew (Rosenhaus) handle it. He’s been doing this for a long time. He’s got my best interests. I’m going to control what I can control. It’s frustrating playing on almost no guaranteed money, but I’m going to put it in Drew’s hands. He’s going to do what’s best for me.”
Godchaux has one year left on his deal, and his cap hit will be 11.8 million this season, according to Spotrac.
He has taken note of the Patriots’ recent spending spree, during which teammates Kyle Dugger, Mike Onwenu, and Jabrill Peppers among others received sizeable contract extensions.
“I’m not jealous of none of those guys. Of course you want to get paid too, but I’m excited. Those guys deserve it,” Godchaux said. “I’m never going to be jealous of my teammates, my brothers who I go to war with each and every day on and off the field. I’m excited for those guys but again I’m playing on almost no guarantees and I would like some stability.”
The Patriots had one of the top run defenses in the league last year, allowing a league-best 3.3 yards per carry. They finished fourth in rushing yards allowed (1584), second in rushing first down percentage (20.8), and tied for sixth in rushing touchdowns allowed (11).
Godchaux, 29, has started in 50 out of 51 games played over his three seasons with the Patriots.
“I feel like you’ve got to be able to stop the run to get to the pass rush and I think that’s what a lot of people overlook,” Godchaux said. “I’ve been consistent playing the run throughout my years in the league and I feel like I’m still in my prime so I want to be rewarded like that also.”
Godchaux was asked if he would welcome a trade. He responded by saying that he’d prefer to stay with the Patriots but understands that the business aspect of the game could change things.
He said that there has been a lot of back and forth negotiations with the team.
“It’s a business,” Godchaux said. “They can say they want us but at the end of the day, it’s business. I’ve seen a lot of teams say ‘he’s our guy’, but the next day he’s traded. It’s a business, you know, whatever is best for me. I would love to be here. I would love to retire here. My family loves it here, so we’ll see. It’s football heaven here. The greatest of all time played here … hopefully we can get something done.’”
