What Could an Extension for Davon Godchaux Look Like?

The New England Patriots have handed out several contract extensions this offseason. Now, instead of heading for free agency in 2025, Christian Barmore, David Andrews, Rhamondre Stevenson, and Jahlani Tavai are looked up for at least another season in New England. However, there are still at least four key veterans slated to hit the open market. Can extensions be reached for Davon Godchaux, Matthew Judon, Jabrill Peppers, and Jonathan Jones before they become UFAs?

Whenever there is a question related to the Patriots’ salary cap, the best source for information is Miguel Benzan. Benzan, better known by the handle @patscap to his many followers, is masterful at breaking down all questions related to New England’s salary cap situation. His expertise was tapped for a look at potential extensions for those four veterans heading into the final year of their deals. First up: Davon Godchaux.

Davon Godchaux

Patriots Football now has reported on Godchaux’s contract situation. It is difficult to gauge how much the current regime in New England values his contributions. Bill Belichick signed Davon Godchaux in free agency with a lucrative deal. Godchaux tacked on a two-year extension after his first season in New England. He carries an $11.8 million cap hit for the upcoming season.

Godchaux responded to an inquiry from PFN asking about the status of getting an extension done. He responded via his X account.

“Hopefully we can get something done that’s fair to me and my team before camp starts!” stated Godchaux. “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!”

Hopefully we can get something done that’s fair to me and my team before camp starts! 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… https://t.co/PPH8Fvb4Ku

— Davon Godchaux (@ChauxDown) June 25, 2024

So what is a deal that would make sense to both Davon Godchaux and the New England Patriots? Benzan took a shot at determining the answer.

Miguel Benzan’s Extension Proposal for Godchaux

Benzan’s proposal for a Davon Godchaux contract extension lines up with the deal signed by one of his teammates earlier this offseason. That player is tight end Hunter Henry.

Henry’s situation differed from that of Godchaux. Hunter Henry was scheduled to become a free agent in a week when he signed his deal. For Godchaux, the idea is to get a deal done before camp. If Godchaux makes it to the offseason without a deal in place, there could be less interest on his side not to at least test the market.

The proposed deal for Davon Godchaux is a two-year extension. It would place his deal over the next three seasons equivalent to Henter’s in terms of signing bonuses, active roster bonuses, offseason workout bonuses, and salaries. The average per year for Godchaux’s “new money” would be $9.35 million.

(1/5) A thread on Davon Godchaux

In 2021 Davon Godchaux signed a two-year deal worth $15M.

In 2022 he signed a two-year extension whose new money APY = $10.4M

If in 2024 he were to sign the same deal Hunter Henry signed in March his new money APY would be $9.35M.

— Patscap (@patscap) June 27, 2024

While Henry and Godchaux play on opposite sides of the football, they do have several common factors. They were born less than a month apart, with each turning 30 in the second half of the 2024 season. Both signed with the New England Patriots on March 19, 2021. Each was brought to New England under Bill Belichick’s regime. And the duo performed admirably at their respective positions for the Patriots. Godchaux, like Henry, would take a decrease in his average annual salary with his new deal, though remains handsomely paid.

Would This Get the Deal Done?

Davon Godchaux stated he’d love to finish his career in New England but it has to make sense. Does Miguel Benzan’s proposal to put Godchaux’s contract in line with that of Hunter Henry make sense for the defensive tackle?

Godchaux has shown what he is as an NFL player. He’s an excellent run-stuffer who makes tackles himself and occupies blockers to open up opportunities for his teammates. He’s a handful for opposing offensive linemen. Bill Belichick clearly valued those contributions immensely. Does the current New England Patriots regime feel the same way? If so, and Benzan’s proposal makes sense to the player, there is no reason to hold up a Davon Godchaux extension before training camp opens on July 23.