One of the biggest stories to watch for in New England this offseason is whether Christian Gonzalez receives a massive extension, or if the Patriots intend him to play on the final year of his contract and go into the 2027 offseason with just his fifth-year option in hand.
Listening to Mike Vrabel and Eliot Wolf over the past few weeks, it would be fair to assume they want to get a deal done sooner rather than later. But there hasn't been much movement in that regard, according to Patriots insiders.
That has some concerned about what it could mean now and in the future, with some speculating that it could reach a standoff between them, and the latest insight from NBC Sports Boston's Tom E. Curran only furthers that.
The Christian Gonzalez situation could be on a path that the Patriots don't want this offseason
While appearing on WEEI this week, Curran was asked for his thoughts on the Gonzalez situation and whether there is a chance the worst-case scenario could unfold, with the cornerback refusing to participate in offseason activities until an extension is reached.
Without hesitation, Curran shared his belief that the Patriots could be headed in that direction, especially since Gonzalez is set to play for just $4 milliion in 2026, which is far below what he should be earning given his performance and talent at this stage in his career.
It's difficult to argue that Gonzalez would be in the wrong to do that, although it would be even worse not to have him on the field. But the hope is that it won't get to that point, and the higher-ups in Foxboro will do the right thing and get a deal done as soon as possible.
They were seemingly convinced by some public pressure to extend his fifth-year option last month, which is a move in the right direction. Yet nothing more has been reported about their negotiation process for a long-term deal.
Gonzalez has proven he is the cornerback of the future for the Patriots, and his performance has shown that he deserves a pay raise. The salary cap increases every offseason, so the idea that they can't afford it is not true.
He is one of the few superstars they have had the fortune of drafting over the last several years, and risking any tension with him or a possible trade demand only complicates an issue that doesn't need to reach that point.
Hopefully, we won't have to worry about a standoff because they'll get a deal done sooner rather than later. But it's not looking too good right now.