NFL Rumors: Patriots Allow Defensive Starter To Seek Trade

Davon Godchaux might be on his way out of the Patriots.

According to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport on Wednesday, New England granted Godchaux permission to seek a trade.

“There has been contact with interested teams, and the veteran is likely on the move given the team’s defensive scheme shift,” Rapoport posted on X.

Godchaux signed a two-year, $18 million extension last offseason after a brief “hold-in.” The Patriots could save $6.6 million if they trade him before June 1, per Over the Cap.

The eight-year defensive tackle arrived in New England in 2021 and became a vocal leader in the locker room. That became a topic of conversation as frustrations mounted in the Jerod Mayo era. The veteran wasn’t afraid to call out his teammates in the media, which reflected poorly on the franchise amid a terrible season.

The Patriots reportedly “received calls” on Godchaux before the NFL trade deadline last year. However, they weren’t able to come to terms on a deal for the 30-year-old.

Head coach Mike Vrabel hinted that there would be changes to the roster, and Godchaux seems to be the first step in molding the team in his vision.