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A New England Patriots insider looked to set a potential timeline for figuring out a contract extension with Christian Gonzalez.
Mandatory Minicamp is in the rearview mirror for the New England Patriots. Despite that, the contract extension for star defensive back Christian Gonzalez is still hanging over the Patriots.
The Patriots picked up Gonzalez’s fifth-year option, which should keep him in New England through 2027. However, both sides seemingly would prefer to find a way to get him a more long-term contract extension, and Gonzalez even missed OTAs looking for a deal.
Gonzalez is going to be one of the offseason’s biggest focuses until the Patriots find a way to extend him. However, it may not be happening right away. In fact, Patriots insider Greg Bedard believes that there won’t be an update on the negotiations until training camp.
“What I’ve heard is I would not expect any sort of update until training camp, and I think that’s where I think the Patriots are,” Bedard said on CLNS. “It’s sort of like a shrug and say, ‘We’ll see where we are at training camp.’ If that’s the case, I think it’s going to drag into training camp.”
Even with that, at least one anonymous GM doesn’t think Patriots fans have much to worry about. Gonzalez will get his extension.
“That one gets done before the season,” the GM said. “He’ll get paid.”
New England Patriots Insider is Concerned About the Cost of Christian Gonzalez
GettyNew England Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez
By all accounts, Christian Gonzalez is going to reset the cornerback market when the New England Patriots extend his contract. It’s just a matter of how large a number Gonzalez is going to land.
Because of that cost, Patriots insider Mike Giardi, writing in Boston Sports Journal, shared that he thinks New England might balk at Gonzalez.
“If the Pats pay Gonzalez what he’s worth, they’ll have three guys at or near the top of the market. Ownership has never done that before. They should, but until they do, I’m dubious,” Giardi wrote.
Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated recently shared that he thinks a fair deal for Gonzalez would be a four-year, $140 million deal. That’s about $35 million annually. Right now, he’s set to make $4.8 million in 2026. It’s a massive increase, and the Patriots do have a core group of young players who also need to be paid.
Christian Gonzalez Just Bought a New Home
GettyNew England Patriots DB Christian Gonzalez
If there is any indication of which direction the Christian Gonzalez contract situation is going, it may be that he just purchased a new home. According to a report by Alex Conti, he bought the house near the Patriots’ facilities, making for an easy commute.
“Source: All-Pro #Patriots CB Christian Gonzalez recently purchased a home in a town near the Patriots’ facility,” Conti wrote. “With contract extension talks ongoing, the move could be viewed as a sign that Gonzalez is further establishing long-term ties to the area.”
It’s not the action most people would take if they were concerned they’d be changing locations any time soon. So, while it’s not the same thing as actually signing a contract extension, it’s a good sign that one might be on the horizon.
Dan Morrison After graduating from UMass in 2019, Dan Morrison quickly began a career in sports journalism and digital media. That has seen him work both as a contributing writer at several publications, as well as spending time on the National News Desk at On3. During that time, he has spent the majority of his time covering football, both at the college and NFL levels. Currently residing in Central Florida, his focus with Heavy is on the NFL. More about Dan Morrison