New England Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez (0) speaks to the media after practice at training camp at Gillette Stadium.
Eric Canha-Imagn Images
When Devon Witherspoon signed a four-year, $132 million contract extension with the Seattle Seahawks, New England Patriots fans were hopeful that fellow cornerback Christian Gonzalez would swiftly secure a new deal of his own. The situation remains unresolved, however. Many are curious if pen will be put to paper before opening kickoff, which is just over two weeks away. Albert Breer outlined the reasons for skepticism.
“That Christian Gonzalez and the Patriots haven’t done a deal yet, nine days after Devon Witherspoon got one done in Seattle, makes you wonder who’s holding their line,” the NFL insider wrote for Sports Illustrated. “It’s also worth noting that it has been a long time since New England paid a homegrown player at a premium position at the very top of the market, which is what it’s going to take to get this one done.”
Patriots owner Robert Kraft said that the team made Gonzalez a record-breaking offer for a CB (before Witherspoon signed his extension), but it is unclear if the guaranteed money was the issue. One can only speculate at this point. The 2024 Second-Team All-Pro wants to reset the market for his position, an unsurprising demand after he helped the franchise recapture the AFC title and held Jaxon Smith-Njigba in check during much of Super Bowl 60.
New England may have some reservations, however. Christian Gonzalez missed most of his rookie 2024 campaign and was sidelined a few games last season due to a hamstring injury. Although he is a difference-making corner when on the field, availability is a crucial factor during contract negotiations.
The 2025 Pro Bowl selection did not participate in joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles due to an ankle issue, but he returned to action on Monday. Gonzalez has continued to move through training camp and prepare for the new season, giving the public little cause for panic about his status with the squad.
Much like Breer noted, though, the Patriots' past financial tendencies loom large. They will have to break tradition in order to lock up the 2023 first-round draft pick.