New England Patriots star cornerback Christian Gonzalez is focused on the present regarding his future with the team, with Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season under a week away.
According to Sports Illustrated’s Mike Kadlick, Gonzalez stated to the media before practice on Saturday that preparation for the season opener is his main focus, as opposed to considering making a trade request amid his ongoing back-and-forth with the team over a contract extension.
"I'm here right now. I'm here,” Gonzalez said. “I'm worried about this practice, focused on this practice. I'll always be where my feet are and do what I gotta do."
Christian Gonzalez on if he would request a trade: “I’m here right now…I’ll always be where my feet are and do what I gotta do.” -@CLNSMedia
pic.twitter.com/vybxNVg2qq
— Patriots on CLNS (@PatriotsCLNS) September 5, 2026
Gonzalez has been engaged in contract negotiations with the Patriots’ front office for months on end. Seattle Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon’s extension that made him the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history in August set a new standard for what Gonzalez will be able to garner on an extension of his own, which has added to the negotiations as they’ve progressed.
With the Patriots’ matchup against the Seahawks set for September 9, Gonzalez has just days to prepare before the Super Bowl rematch from last season gets underway. He has a club option with New England in 2027.
Follow Patriots Wire on Twitter and Facebook.
This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: Has Christian Gonzalez considered trade request? Patriots CB responds
