Most of the conversation surrounding the New England Patriots this offseason has centered on the scandal involving Mike Vrabel and NFL insider Dianna Russini, or the probable trade for wide receiver AJ Brown after June 1.
While it all makes sense, there is another topic that should be making headlines: cornerback Christian Gonzalez's massive contract extension, which should be coming sooner rather than later.
The Patriots have made it clear they want to keep Gonzalez around for a long time, but they have been moving slowly with getting a deal done. In fact, it took a bit longer than anyone expected or hoped for to pick up his fifth-year option, and, according to reporters, negotiations on an extension have yet to take place.
No matter what, we know that Gonzalez is widely considered one of the best cornerbacks in the league just three years in, and he is going to be rewarded handsomely for that work, presumably by the Patriots.
The current predictions have him breaking the bank and resetting the market for the position, which the Chiefs did earlier this offseason when they traded with the Rams for Trent McDuffie. Considering Gonzalez is a better player, he will surely be the first Patriot to change the NFL's future in a long time.
Christian Gonzalez is predicted to turn the NFL on its head with a new contract
The Chiefs made a big splash when they boosted their secondary by acquiring McDuffie earlier this offseason and immediately extended him on a four-year, $124 million deal.
As of right now, the latest projection for Gonzalez, according to Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox, is a four-year, $125 million extension to make him the highest-paid cornerback in the entire NFL, and rightfully so.
It has become commonplace almost every offseason for at least one player to reset the market at their position with a new contract, and it looks like this time it will actually happen in New England, something that has historically not been a part of the organization, particularly under Bill Belichick.
Things are a bit different now with Mike Vrabel and Eliot Wolf in charge, however, as we saw with the richest contract in franchise history awarded to defensive tackle Milton Williams last offseason.
Now, Gonzalez is on the verge of topping that, while also ensuring the 31 other teams in the league will be on the hook for a lot more money if they want a top-tier cornerback on their defense. The hope is that the Patriots will get this done ahead of the 2026 season, and if not that quickly, as soon as possible.
Although he's set to play on his fifth-year option in 2027, which significantly increases his salary above what he's currently receiving, it would be best to reach an agreement before any potential problems arise, such as Gonzalez choosing to hold out.
He's proven why he's the face of their defense, so there's no reason for Vrabel and Wolf to be dragging their feet for too long.
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