Matthew Judon is making headlines again. The New England Patriots pass rusher is back at practice, but the main reason was obviously not of an athletic nature.

The contract poker for Matthew Judon goes into the next round. Although the outside linebacker has now ended his strike, his latest statements suggest that the issue is far from over.

“I have to do what I’m contractually obligated to do so I don’t lose my money,” he said during a media session at training camp. The 31-year-old is only tied to the New England Patriots until 2025.

Judon wants to get better

Judon would not reveal details about the ongoing negotiations. The edge rusher at least confirmed that a meeting with head coach Jerod Mayo and general manager Eliot Wolf had taken place after his absence from training – outcome open.

Afterwards, the Patriots player was insightful and announced an improvement: “I’m sorry for being so animated and talking with my hands. I’m going to start talking like that and not being so animated.”

Despite the public mud-slinging, he said he wanted to stay at Foxborough for the rest of his career. However, Judon rejected the blame for the apparently complicated contract extension: “It’s not up to me,” the former Ravens pro stated.

Judon is in the final year of his contract, which earns him around 6.5 million dollars – too little, if he has his way. The Patriots are hesitant to extend Judon, who turns 32 this year.