The New England Patriots have made several moves this offseason in an attempt to return to the Super Bowl next season. While they went out and added players from outside the building, they have a massive extension looming over their heads with Christian Gonzalez.
And the latest report will cost the Patriots more money. During an appearance on Good Morning Football, insider Ian Rapoport revealed that the Seahawks and cornerback Devon Witherspoon have been discussing an extension, likely to be $32 million per year.
That would make him the highest-paid corner in the league, which is music to Gonzalez's ears. With him in negotiations for an extension, he will likely wait for Witherspoon's extension to be done, then ask to top that number.
Christian Gonzalez just got more leverage over the Patriots
While that is fantastic for Gonzalez's bank account, it will cost New England more money in the long run. When star players look for extensions, they always want to come out on top of the market. Derek Stingley, Sauce Gardner, and Trent McDuffie have all gotten extensions over the last 16 months, with each player getting the highest-paid cornerback label.
They all had it for a certain period before someone else got a better deal. And with Witherspoon on the horizon for that mark, Gonzalez will snatch that title soon after.
Since coming into the league, Gonzalez has been an athletic and dominating force on the outside. He has matched up against top receivers in the league and has held his own. In 34 games with the Patriots, he has logged 145 total tackles, 24 pass deflections, and two interceptions.
Over the last two seasons, he has allowed fewer than 500 yards in coverage, while logging 10-plus pass breakups. His Pro Football Focus numbers also show how effective he's been.
Christian Gonzalez has been one of the NFL's best DBs
Season | Overall Grade | Coverage Grade |
|---|---|---|
2024 | 76.0 (12th among 117 graded CBs) | 78.2 (16th among 117 graded CBs) |
2025 | 65.8 (43rd among 114 graded CBs) | 68.4 (31st among 114 graded CBs) |
While his grades may have gone down slightly, his impact on the field can't be understated. And what he did during the playoffs last season was special. In four games, he allowed 11 catches (30 targets) for 141 yards and zero touchdowns.
In the Super Bowl, he was one of the few bright spots for them. He posted an 80.6 overall grade and an 86.8 coverage grade. Gonzalez was targeted five times, giving up just one catch for 16 yards and recording three pass deflections.
In the biggest game of his career, Gonzalez was lights-out and proved that he's one of the game's best. With him looking for a new deal and Witherspoon likely getting one first, Gonzalez can't be mad, as he'll have more leverage over the team in the coming weeks.
And it'll be up to the Patriots to make sure one of their best players is taken care of.
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