Davon

Godchaux

Godchaux has appeared in every regular season game for the Patriots since 2021 — his first season with the team. He has started all but one of those games. The veteran defensive tackle is a prototypical run-stopper, who has racked up 123 tackles over the last two seasons with just three TFLs and zero sacks. Last year’s Saints ranked 31st in rush yards allowed and yards per carry (4.9) allowed, and Gochaux will be called on to help rectify that problem. Godchaux is under contract for the next two seasons but can be released next offseason for a cap savings of $8.5 million if the Saints don’t want to pay him beyond 2025.

Godchaux was reportedly available at the trade deadline last year but nothing materialized. The Pats have since fired their head coach and hired Mike Vrabel as the team’s next boss. As Rapoport notes, the shift in defensive scheme is a reason for both Godchaux and the Pats to find a trade partner this time around. Godchaux logged six pressures and one TFL last year in his age-30 season. Given his age and lack of production, the Pats aren’t likely to get much in return for him in a trade.

Russini notes that the 49ers are looking to add help on defense and the team is aware of Godchaux’s availability via trade. While it’s unclear if anything will materialize before Tuesday’s trade deadline, San Francisco certainly fits the mold as a team that wouldn’t mind taking on Godchaux’s salary and parting with draft picks given where the 49ers are in their contention window. Russini also notes that New England is open to trading receivers Tyquan Thornton and Kendrick Bourne as well as safety Kyle Dugger.

Per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the deal is worth “up to” $21 million and features $16.5 million in guarantees. Godchaux signed with the Patriots as a free agent in 2021 and has appeared in all 51 regular season games and the team’s lone playoff appearance. He has been a rotational lineman who sees the majority of his reps in run defense. Godchaux totaled 56 tackles, two TFLs, and one fumble recovery in 2023.

Godchaux joined the Patriots last offseason on a two-year deal after spending his first four years with the Dolphins, and the team obviously liked what they saw. This deal makes Godchaux one of the highest-paid run stuffers in the league.

The deal is worth “up to” $16 million, and includes $9 million guaranteed. The Pats are reversing the New England-to-Miami pipeline as they look to shore up their run defense. Godchaux is a load in the middle of the line, though he was limited to five games last season after tearing his biceps in October. Stout in the run game, 26-year-old Godchaux can also create some pressure up the middle. It could prove to be a shrewd early signing in what is going to be a more confusing market than usual because of the declining salary cap.

As expected. Godchaux sought a second opinion but was eventually moved to injured reserve to undergo season-ending surgery. He finishes 2020 with 16 tackles and two quarterback hits. Expect coach Brian Flores to replace him with both Zach Sieler and rookie Raekwan Davis.

He’ll get a second opinion on his injury before inevitably being moved to season-ending injured reserve. Godchaux has been impactful this year, totaling 16 tackles and two quarterback hits in Miami’s front-seven, but Zach Sieler’s emergence lightens the blow. Expect coach Brian Flores to demand more from rookie Raekwan Davis, too.

Godchaux (6’3/310) made 36 starts in only three seasons in Baton Route, tallying 19 career tackles for loss, 12.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles. Godchaux was arrested for allegedly grabbing his ex-girlfriend’s hair and shoulder during the 2016 offseason, but the charges were dropped. Primarily a five-technique end in LSU’s 3-4, Godchaux flashed pass-rush promise but spent too much time on the ground and didn’t always give max effort. Best employed as a rotational penetrator, Godchaux profiles as a boom-bust prospect with growth potential but a low floor.

A low-floor prospect with pass-rush upside, Godchaux endured off-the-field and effort issues at LSU. Godchaux could eventually develop into a rotational pocket pusher behind Ndamukong Suh and Jordan Phillips.