The New England Patriots will be working on several deals in the coming days to bring in players from other teams. However, the biggest signing they could make this offseason might involve a player who is already on the roster.
Christian Gonzalez is eligible for a contract extension this offseason, and he has the potential to set the market for cornerbacks.
Bleacher Report's Alex Kay predicted that Gonzalez will sign a four-year contract worth $125 million during this offseason.
"Although he's missed 16 games — including 13 as a rookie — since he was taken No. 17 overall three years ago, Gonzalez has already notched a second-team All-Pro nod and Pro Bowl honors. He's extremely sticky in coverage, allowing just 1,038 yards and four touchdowns on a stingy 54.7 percent completion rate over the 84 targets he's faced in the last two seasons," Kay wrote on Monday.
"While (Devon ) Witherspoon will certainly be paid handsomely after earning Pro Bowl honors in each of his three seasons in addition to a ring, Gonzalez is trending towards the biggest payday as New England looks to lock down one of the most critical pieces from its surprise run through the AFC in 2025."
Gonzalez is likely to be the next big-time corner to sign a substantial extension after the Los Angeles Rams inked a four-year, $124 million deal with $100 million guaranteed on Sunday with cornerback Trent McDuffie.
More NFL: How ESPN Analyst Graded Patriots' Garrett Bradbury Trade