New Christian Gonzalez Contract Rumors Revealed By NFL Insider Ahead of Patriots Season

The New England Patriots' Sept. 9 season opener is fewer than two weeks away, but they reportedly aren't close to agreeing to a new deal with star cornerback Christian Gonzalez.

"I don't think that at any one point here, they've been close to a deal," ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Thursday during an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show while also comparing the situation to Devon Witherspoon and the Seattle Seahawks.

"Witherspoon was going to get done first, and it got done at an average of $33 million per year. The Patriots have not been in that category. But Witherspoon has established a benchmark, and the Patriots haven't gone there. And they weren't there before, and they don't appear to be going there now."

Schefter did suggest things could change in the near future and added, "I think there's probably another push before the season begins or at the start of the season from both sides. … He's too good a player not to try to get something done."

The 2026 campaign is the final one on Gonzalez's contract before a 2027 club option, but he is extension eligible.

Given his standing as one of the best cornerbacks in the league, the Patriots figured to pay him at some point this offseason to make sure he remains with the team for the long-term future. But it has not happened yet, and Gonzalez is growing frustrated with the situation.

"It's frustrating, but I'm focused on the season," he told reporters Tuesday. "I'm focused on here now."

He also didn't exactly fully commit to playing in Week 1:

Gonzalez's comments came after Patriots executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf said during halftime of a preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles, "Each side is trying to do what's right for them. Christian is a tremendous player that we've been on record multiple times saying we want him to be here, and that hasn't changed. We're going to continue working with his representation to try to get something done."

The cornerback is just 24 years old and coming off a Pro Bowl season that saw him tally 69 tackles and 10 passes defended.

His impact was clear during New England's run to the Super Bowl, as he had an interception in the AFC Championship Game win over the Denver Broncos before posting three passes defended and limiting star receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba to four catches for 27 yards in the Super Bowl loss to the Seahawks.

Considering the Patriots play Seattle again in Week 1, it will surely want Gonzalez on the field and matching up with the reigning Offensive Player of the Year.

First, though, the two sides may need to reach an agreement on his contract.