The New England Patriots are yet to agree on a contract extension with Christian Gonzalez. A recent report suggests Gonzalez may be waiting to get paid.
Gonzalez Aims High, Seahawks Deal Influences
Gonzalez, regarded as one of the league’s top cornerbacks, is likely seeking to become the highest-paid player at his position. His camp may be monitoring Devon Witherspoon’s extension with the Seattle Seahawks before committing to a deal. According to ESPN’s Brady Henderson, extension talks between the Seahawks and Witherspoon are not currently progressing smoothly, potentially prolonging Gonzalez’s wait.
Henderson noted the swift agreement between the Seahawks and Jaxon Smith-Njigba on a four-year extension. He added that the Seahawks then focused on Witherspoon, a three-time Pro Bowl selection and standout from their Super Bowl LX victory. However, Henderson wrote that progress on Witherspoon’s deal has not been as straightforward; Seattle made an initial offer a few weeks ago, but the two sides do not yet appear to be close to an agreement.
McDuffie’s Deal Sets a Benchmark
The largest current contract for a cornerback in the NFL belongs to Tret McDuffie. McDuffie signed his extension after being traded from the Kansas City Chiefs to the Los Angeles Rams this offseason. It’s expected that Gonzalez will seek a contract exceeding McDuffie’s four-year, $124 million deal, as will Witherspoon. Both players would be wise to wait and try to beat out the other’s numbers as well.
Gonzalez’s Stance on Negotiations
Following the season, Gonzalez expressed his desire to remain with the Patriots. He did not elaborate on the specifics of contract negotiations. Gonzalez said that he was not really trying to get into all of that. Gonzalez added that his agents will deal with that and keep him up to speed on it.
Gonzalez said that he just wanted to see the guys, hang out with them a couple more times. He said that it’s the last time this full team, coaching staff will be in the building. So, he wanted to focus on that and hang out with the guys one more time.