Will a Patriots 2025 Pro Bowl Cornerback Sign an Extension Before the 2026 Season?
On August 17th, Seattle Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon became the highest-paid cornerback, signing a four-year $132 million extension. Since then, more rumors began swirling about whether Christian Gonzalez would sign an extension with the New England Patriots as well. Back in July, Patriots owner Robert Kraft said he made an offer to the 2025 Pro Bowler to make him the highest-paid player at the position. However, a deal has yet to be reached, and it’s been reported that the 24-year-old wants to earn significantly more than Witherspoon. New England fans are eagerly awaiting word on whether Gonzalez will have his deal finalized before the start of the 2026 season.
Head coach Mike Vrabel repeatedly stated several times that Gonzalez will be missing the Patriots’ joint practice week with the Philadelphia Eagles due to injury rather than his ongoing contract disputes. However, there’s been little to no word on the nature of the 2025 Pro Bowl cornerback’s injury. If anything, it could be to make sure he’s 100% a few weeks before the season officially begins. Senior NFL Insider for ESPN Adam Schefter: "I'm not so sure that that Gonzo deal is going to get done so quickly. Up until this past weekend, the two sides were not overly close, and they had not had a lot of productive conversations... the parameters are in place; it should not be hard to get a deal done right now for Gonzalez, and yet so far it has been.” The 24-year-old is signed through the 2027 season after the Patriots selected his fifth-year option on his rookie deal.
While Schefter may not be optimistic about Gonzalez getting a deal done anytime soon, anything can certainly happen. There is still plenty of time for a deal to be completed before one of New England’s most anticipated games and the start of the 2026 NFL season, Wednesday, September 9th. It would only make Week One’s matchup against the Seahawks even more intriguing with two of the highest-paid cornerbacks competing. A deal could be made; however, both sides need to agree on a realistic amount and not lowball each other to get this deal done in the books.
