Karen Guregian’s football analysis issponsored by Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers, a Leading Boston Personal Injury Firm.
Christian Gonzalez didn’t mince words. Asked about his future, and a possible contract extension, the Pro Bowl cornerback said he doesn’t want to be anywhere else.
He wants to stay in New England, and continue making pivotal plays for the Patriots.
As we saw in Super Bowl 60, and the playoffs as a whole, Gonzalez is quite good at his job. Even in a losing effort, his play stood out.
He made a sensational leaping break-up of a deep pass intended for Rashid Shaheed. He also had PBU against Jaxon Smith-Njigba that prevented a touchdown.
In the biggest game of his career, Gonzalez was elite.
He solidified his status as one of the game’s best cornerbacks, and assured himself of a mega payday whether it’s now, or at some point down the road.
The star defender is under contract through at least next season, and perhaps 2027 pending a team option that was part of his rookie contract as a former first round pick.
So this can be as simple as the Patriots picking up an option, or going the extra mile to assure a longer relationship with a player who excels at a key defensive position.
Gonzalez cemented the Patriots’ AFC Championship win over Denver with a fourth-quarter interception of Jarett Stidham. He followed that with a big-time effort in Super Bowl 60, breaking up three passes. At different points, he covered Jaxson Smith-Njigba, and neutralized the Seahawks most dangerous threat.
During the four playoff games, Gonzalez racked up seven pass breakups.
Patriots coach Mike Vrabel has made a point of singing Gonzalez’ praises, especially during the latter half of the season and playoffs.
“Gonzo is one of our best players. We expect those things. He expects those. He expects more than we expect he does,” Vrabel said when asked about Gonzalez’ in wake of the game-clinching pick against the Broncos. “I’m happy that, again, he cares deeply about this team. He does. He’s very talented, and we’re lucky to have him.”
Kayshon Boutte and DeMario Douglas are also candidates for extensions. Gonzalez, however, should be at the top of the list.
Having a cornerback of his caliber is vital for a defense on a contending team. Every Patriots championship team has featured an elite, shut-down corner (Ty Law, Darrelle Revis, Stephon Gilmore).
Does that mean the Patriots should go the extra mile to lock-up their 23-year-old star?
Absolutely. And with no hesitation. He’s going to command something in the $30-$35 million neighborhood. The Patriots have the cap space to do so - over $42 million - and should push to make it happen.
Patriots Hall of Fame safety Rodney Harrison agreed.
“I’m paying him. I’m not letting a young guy like that go,” Harrison said Thursday. “The only thing I’ve said about him, personally, is sometimes he loses focus a little bit when he’s going against lesser talent, but the kid can play. And if you want that level, if you want a shutdown corner, or a corner that can match up with No. 1, that’s what it’s going to cost you, especially with him coming off this season.
“If you’re going to sign him, this is the time to sign him. You still got Drake (Maye) for another few years before you have to pay him.”
As mentioned, Gonzalez will command a top-of-the market deal. And based on recent extensions, that will be a significant hit on the payroll based on recent signings.
Prior to trading him to Indianapolis before the deadline, the Jets had signed Sauce Gardner to the richest deal ever for a cornerback by total dollars and average annual value at $120.4 million ($30.1 million per year) over four years. That topped the three-year, $90 million deal ($89 million guaranteed) signed by Derek Stingley Jr.
Gonzalez is easily in that neighborhood. If the Patriots go the extension route, they would likely have to make him the highest paid corner. His performance during the postseason, and Super Bowl in particular, pretty much guaranteed that.
Gonzalez, however, wouldn’t get into any contract details Tuesday.
“I’m not really trying to get into all of that. I mean, it’s kind of more my agents, they’ll deal with that and keep me up to speed on it,” Gonzalez said. “Coming in today, I just wanted to see the guys, hang out with them a couple more times. I mean, it’s the last time this full team, coaching staff will be in the building. So, (I) focus on that.
“My agents and (Mike Vrabel) and all, they’ll talk.”
Gonzalez is one of the team’s best and most talented players. On a team that’s trying to build and fortify its roster, failing to lock up Gonzalez, one of their draft picks, wouldn’t send the best message.
The Patriots are looking to contend every year, and have sustained success.
Their approach with Gonzalez will be a test, and ultimately tip their hand where they’re headed.