Sacked: Matthew Judon Silences Patriots Ex Asante, Supports Belichick
Asante Samuel tried to enlist Matt Judon in his apparent civil war against the New England Patriots. The current Patriots pass rusher, however, had no interest in joining the attack.
Responding to a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, from Dov Kleiman that hinted that the backfield invader would seek a revamped contract, one that would potentially have him free agency before the current pace of spring 2025, Samuel opted to fire more shots at his former employers, namely head coach Bill Belichick.
"Let’s see how much he likes Belichick now," Samuel said, apparently trying to restoke the flames of discontent between the Patriots and current head Bill Belichick. Judon, however, didn't fall to Samuel's temptation, as the accusation perhaps only strengthened his bond with the long-tenured wearer of the Patriots' primary headset.
"(Belichick) will forever be my guy," Judon confirmed in a quoted response. "(I) don’t let that money effect my emotions, Asante."
As the sixth-highest paid EDGE rusher in terms of 2023 salary, the Patriots are working with Judon on a relative bargain. Together with a New England defense that also hosted the breakout of Josh Uche last season, Judson stands as one of the brightest and most consistent and reliable reasons for optimism surrounding the 2023 Patriots. In the past two seasons, Judon has earned 28 sacks, tied with Pittsburgh's T.J. Watt for third-best in the league.
Count Samuel among the many that believe that Belichick may be facing a make-or-break season as he enters his 24th season at the Foxborough helm. It's far from the first time he gone after Belichick, though he continues to insist there's "no beef" with the six-time champion.
Beef or no beef, calling current Patriots into his apparent crusade against Belichick is a bizarre move of escalation for a former worker with no stated grudge. Time will tell if any New Englanders take Samuel up on his offer.
Geoff Magliocchetti is on Twitter @GeoffJMags
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