Sources: Teams inquire about acquiring Patriots LB Judon - ESPN

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Multiple teams have inquired about trading for pass rusher Matthew Judon amid his contract stalemate with the New England Patriots, sources told ESPN senior NFL reporter Jeremy Fowler.

Judon is due a base salary of $6.5 million in the final year of his contract. New England made a contract offer to Judon this summer, which Judon did not accept, sources told Fowler.

Judon had said on a recent podcast that he wrote out his own proposal to the Patriots and was awaiting a response. He also said he would play on his contract if necessary, but believed it didn't reflect his value.

Tension between the sides had come to the forefront on July 29 when Judon showed up to the first full-pads practice of training camp without pads. He was seen speaking with coach Jerod Mayo, and appeared to be animated, before leaving the field. He later returned to the field to speak with executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf and director of player personnel Matt Groh, again appearing to be animated.

Judon later explained what unfolded from his point of view, saying he wasn't ready to practice that day and departed so he wasn't a distraction. He added that he received a message that led him to return to the field to address Wolf.

Judon wasn't around the team for practice the next day, according to teammates, but it remains unclear if that was his choice or dictated by the team.

He then returned to participate in the next practice, and things have since quieted down. For example, in the preseason opener Thursday, Judon was on the sideline and helping assist Mayo in tutoring outside linebacker Oshane Ximines on setting a sturdy edge in the running game.

«He was dialed in, excited for the players, and he was