The Patriots agreed Monday to trade Godchaux to the Saints in exchange for a 2026 seventh-round pick, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports. Godchaux heads to New Orleans with one year remaining on the two-year, $18 million extension he inked with New England last offseason. The veteran defensive tackle hasn't missed a regular-season game since 2020, and he's notched more than 60 tackles in three of the last four seasons. He'll operate as a key run stopper within the Saints' defensive front for the 2025 campaign.
Unlock the latest New Orleans Saints news — direct to your inbox.
Status
ACTIVELatest Davon Godchaux news
Team
New Orleans Saints
Birthdate
11/11/1994 (30)
Status
Active
HT/WT
6'3", 330 lbs
Draft Info
2017: Rd 5; Pk (MIA)
Birthplace
Plaquemine, LA, USA
Position
DT
College
LSU
Experience
9 seasons
Career History
New England Patriots
2021-2025
(4 seasons)
Miami Dolphins
2017-2021
(4 seasons)
The Patriots agreed Monday to trade Godchaux to the Saints in exchange for a 2026 seventh-round pick, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports. Godchaux heads to New Orleans with one year remaining on the two-year, $18 million extension he inked with New England last offseason. The veteran defensive tackle hasn't missed a regular-season game since 2020, and he's notched more than 60 tackles in three of the last four seasons. He'll operate as a key run stopper within the Saints' defensive front for the 2025 campaign.
Godchaux played in all 17 regular-season games in 2024 and finished with 67 tackles (43 solo) and one pass defense. Godchaux has played in every single regular-season game since joining the Patriots in 2021 and led the defensive front in tackles in 2024. His 67 combined tackles were his most since 2019 when he played for the Dolphins (75). Godchaux signed a two-year, $18 million contract extension with the Patriots in July of 2024, and the veteran nose tackle out of LSU is expected to lead the defense in 2025 under incoming head coach Mike Vrabel.
Godchaux finished Saturday's 40-7 loss to the Chargers with eight tackles (five solo). Godchaux and Sione Takitaki finished Saturday's game with the third-most tackles on the Patriots behind Jahlani Tavai (10) and Kyle Dugger (nine). It was Godchaux's highest-tackling game since Week 6 against the Texans, and through 16 regular-season games he's tallied 63 tackles (22 solo) and one pass defense. The Patriots will host the Bills in Week 18, and Buffalo is expected to rest its starters as it has locked up the No. 2 seed in the AFC heading into the postseason.
Godchaux tallied eight tackles (four solo) in the Patriots 41-21 loss to the Texans in Week 6. Godchaux's tackle total was tied for first on the Patriots' defense. He was on the field for 45 defensive snaps (73 percent), which marked his highest percentage through six weeks. The nose tackle will look to continue providing a presence in the trenches in Week 7 when New England takes on the Jaguars in Jacksonville.
The Patriots signed Godchaux to a two-year extension worth up to $21 million Wednesday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports. The veteran defensive lineman has impressed over his last three seasons in New England, and he's now received his proper compensation. Godchaux appeared in 17 games in 2023 and tallied 56 total tackles for a Patriots defense that ranked third in the NFL in rushing yards allowed per game (93.2 yards). The 29-year-old will receive $16.5 million in guaranteed money from 2025-2026, and he's expected to remain a stalwart on a stellar New England defense for years to come.
Godchaux reported to Patriots training camp Tuesday, Douglas Kyed of the Boston Herald reports. On his personal X account in June, Godchaux said that he "would love to retire" in New England and has been seeking a contract extension during the offseason. After spending his first four years in the league with the Dolphins, Godchaux signed with the Patriots in 2021, and he has played in every single regular-season game over the last three years, posting 56 tackles (24 solo) and one fumble recovery in 2023.
Coach Jerod Mayo said Wednesday that Godchaux is negotiating for a new contract, Michael Giardi of NFL Network reports. Mayo said that Godchaux was present at practice Monday, but that he didn't participate. Godchaux has suited up for a full slate of 17 regular-season games in each of his three seasons with the Patriots, never playing less than 600 defensive snaps in that span. He's currently entering the final year of his deal with the team.
Godchaux recorded eight tackles for the second game in a row in Week 10, and he totaled at least five tackles for the fourth time in the last six weeks. Unfortunately for IDP managers though, he hasn't been able to sack the quarterback or force any turnovers in 2023. After New England's bye in Week 11, the Patriots will travel to face a run-heavy Giants team.