Christian Gonzalez’s contract figures to remain a key storyline for the New England Patriots this summer.
The star cornerback has skipped voluntary organized team activities while seeking a new deal. Gonzalez is currently under contract through the 2027 season after New England exercised the fifth-year option on the former first-round pick.
Ian Rapoport delivered an encouraging assessment of the situation during an appearance on ESPN’s “The Pat McAfee Show.” The NFL Network insider can see the Patriots locking up Gonzalez to a long-term pact by Week 1.
“Before the season, I think there’s a good chance,” Rapoport said of Gonzalez getting a new contract, adding that he hasn’t heard anything to suggest an agreement will come in the next few days.
The Los Angeles Rams made Trent McDuffie the league’s highest-paid cornerback when giving him $31 million per year. MassLive’s Karen Guregian reported that Gonzalez could seek an average annual value of $35 million “at the very least.”
Rapoport expects the Patriots to pay the Pro Bowler handsomely, but he didn’t put a precise amount on how much Gonzalez could receive.
“I imagine he is gonna get a huge deal. I imagine the Patriots will make it work,” Rapoport said. “I just don’t know that it’s going to be imminent. He is a great player and he deserves all of the dollars. It’s just a matter of when that thing can get done and how high.”
