The New England Patriots have been adamant this offseason about their desire to reach a long-term extension with star cornerback Christian Gonzalez.
That message was reiterated again on Tuesday by head coach Mike Vrabel at the NFL Annual League Meetings.
“We want to make sure that we draft extremely well, and then we identify the guys that we want to keep with us and that have earned long-term extensions with us,” Vrabel said. “And Christian, Gonzo is certainly one of those players, but I can’t comment
on a negotiation.”
Vrabel confirmed the Patriots are currently in negotiations with the 23-year old cornerback. The head coach also hinted that the team plans to pick up Gonzalez’s fifth-year option for the 2027 season.
“If we haven’t picked it up, we should pick it up,” he said.
The Patriots have until May 1 to officially exercise the option, which would carry a value of $18.119 million for the 2027 season.
Drafted 17th overall in 2023, Gonzalez has quickly established himself as one of the top cornerbacks in the NFL. After earning second-team All-Pro honors in 2024, he was named to his first Pro Bowl last season.
Vrabel praised his top cornerback for elevating his play down the stretch last season, including a dominant postseason run highlighted by an AFC Championship-clinching interception and a Super Bowl performance in which he recorded three pass breakups.
Now eligible for a long-term deal, Gonzalez was hopeful he could remain in New England.
“Oh, yeah, no doubt,” Gonzalez said back in February during locker room clean-out. “This is where I got drafted, and I don’t want to be anywhere else.”
