The New England Patriots have reportedly been working to extend Christian Gonzalez, and he skipped OTAs while he waits for a new deal.
Gonzalez is present at the team’s mandatory minicamp, but it’s unclear how much work he will actually do on the field until he’s signed to an extension. Mike Vrabel was asked about the state of negotiations, but made it clear that he is not a part of those discussions.
“I’m not involved in the negotiations,” Vrabel told reporters. “Nothing to add. He’s still under his (rookie contract). I don’t think there’s anything to report.”
While nobody has said it yet, it seems clear that Gonzalez’s absence from OTAs was contract-related. If he does not take the field during minicamp, it would be safe to say he is not going to play until he inks a new deal with the Patriots or they simply turn him away.
It seems unlikely that the Patriots wouldn’t agree to an extension with him. He is one of the best corners in the league and both sides have already expressed interest in getting an extension done. It’s taking longer than expected, but it should eventually get done. Gonzalez figures to shed more light on the situation when he speaks to the media.
Vrabel made it clear that he is not the person to ask when it comes to negotiations.
