The New England Patriots acquired A.J. Brown from the Philadelphia Eagles after months of speculation, but they still have one major offseason transaction remaining.
Christian Gonzalez is extension eligible, and the Patriots have already expressed interest in getting a deal done. However, Gonzalez came into mandatory minicamp without an extension finalized. He did not skip minicamp, but is not a full participant either. He is not doing team drills, and for the second straight day, on Thursday, he only did individual work.
Gonzalez is one of the best corners in the game, and by simply being out there, he makes others better. Likewise, Brown is one of the best receivers in the league, and he and Gonzalez working against each other will make them both better. Brown spoke on Gonzalez after practice on Thursday.
“I’m ready to go against him so we can push each other, get in the lab together," Brown said on Thursday. "Obviously, that's good on good, you know? Very little room for a mistake. I love going against guys like that because those are my matchups, and I don’t shy away from those.”
Brown made a highlight reel catch in the back of the endzone on Thursday, but against Gonzalez, that may not have happened. It will be an iron sharpens iron situation when the two can face off in team periods in practice.
More NFL: Ex-Patriots Player Calls Out Tom Brady After Controversial Comments 'Struck A Nerve'