On the first day of Patriots training camp, owner Robert Kraft said the team
had offered Christian Gonzalez a contract that would make him the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history.While Gonzalez appreciates Kraft’s words, he is not interested in negotiating his contract through the media.
“Everybody knows what Mr. Kraft has done, a ton of respect for Mr. Kraft and what he’s done with this franchise,” Gonzalez said Tuesday. “And it’s just something we don’t want to handle in the media. You know,
I keep that with the team and my team and go on about that.”
When asked whether he was upset at Kraft’s comments or felt the owner was pressuring him, Gonzalez reiterated that he hopes to keep contract discussions between his representatives and the Patriots.
Asked whether he is confident an extension will get done, Gonzalez simply replied, “I hope so.”
After sitting out voluntary OTAs this spring, Gonzalez reported for mandatory minicamp but did not participate in competitive team periods. That changed at the start of training camp, where the cornerback has been a full participant through the first four practices.
“I mean, it’s ball. I’m gonna come out, play some ball, and have fun,” Gonzalez said. “We had a tough ending of the year, that sits on everybody’s mind all year. Just wanted to get on the field and do what I do.”
It remains to be seen whether that participation level will continue once the Patriots transition to full pad work following Wednesday’s off day.
“I’ll be out here,” Gonzalez said.
Before training camp opened, Gonzalez’s teammates wondered whether he would be on the field while awaiting a new contract. Knowing Gonzalez, they weren’t surprised to see him participate fully and have appreciated him doing so.
That has helped Gonzalez at times when it comes to blocking out the outside noise.
“It’s different, but at the end of the day, it’s business and I’m blessed to be able to do this as my job,” Gonzalez said. “So, you know, can’t get too much into it. Get to wake up and come out here and play football for a job. So very blessed, just happy that I’m able to come out here, run around and do what I love for my living.”
