Christian Gonzalez just made one offseason decision too easy for Patriots

The New England Patriots will have the privilege of bringing back one of their own for the long haul this offseason.

The end of the 2025 season will mark the end of star cornerback Christian Gonzalez's third year in the league, making him eligible for an extension. It goes without saying that New England will pick up his fifth-year option by the May 1 deadline, giving them a minimum of two more years with their No. 1 corner.

Gonzalez will be getting some big-time money this offseason, and more than likely, he'll pass Milton Williams for the title of highest-paid Patriot ever. Sauce Gardner and Derek Stingley are the highest-paid cornerbacks, each making at least $30 million per season.

While a lack of availability has caused questions to circle Gonzalez's future, his current playoff form has been unbelievable and worth every penny he'll get.

Christian Gonzalez would be worth every penny in an extension

New England is already shelling out some big-time money defensively. Milton Williams is paid $26 million a year, while his running mate, Christian Barmore, was inked to a four-year deal worth up to $92 million before the 2024 season. Harold Landry signed a $43.5 million deal this offseason, while Carlton Davis' deal is worth up to $60 million. K'Lavon Chaisson and Jaylinn Hawkins will also require extensions this offseason.

While a potential $120 million deal would be a lot to shell out, there aren't many players better than Gonzalez at the position. He's allowed a 44.8 percent completion rate and only one touchdown, surprisingly to Cincinnati's Mitchell Tinsley.

The ex-Oregon Duck has been exceptional this season, and aside from maybe Williams, he's the defense's premier player. He'll command a big payday, but he's absolutely worth it.

There is a possibility that the Patriots will hold off on an extension until next season, given their frivolous spending in 2025, but yesterday's price is not today's price. It seems like every star is becoming the highest-paid player at their position, and I wouldn't expect Gonzalez to be any different.

Fans will be hoping the No. 17 pick from the 2023 NFL Draft will stick around in New England, but if the team opts to forgo paying him and shop him in trades, he'd no doubt warrant at least two first-round picks.

I, for one, would like to see Gonzalez return on a deal that makes him the highest paid cornerback in football, and that could happen in the coming months.