New England Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez described ongoing contract extension talks as "frustrating" while returning to practice this week. Gonzalez, entering the fourth year of his rookie contract with the team having exercised his fifth-year option, is still awaiting a long-term deal.
Gonzalez rejoined practice on Wednesday after being sidelined since Aug. 10 with a minor injury, though speculation linked his absence to the contract negotiations. "I'm not going to get into that," Gonzalez told reporters. "I'm out here now. So it is what it is."
As the Patriots prepare for their third preseason game against the Browns, Gonzalez expressed dissatisfaction with the unresolved situation. "It's frustrating. But I'm focused on the season. I'm focused on here now and doing what I have to do," he said. "I'm out here to compete and get better."
In July, Patriots owner Robert Kraft indicated that an offer had been made to the 2023 first-round pick, which he suggested was the "highest contract in Patriots franchise history." This would surpass the reported four-year, $104 million deal for defensive lineman Milton Williams and potentially challenge the four-year, $132 million extension secured by cornerback Devon Witherspoon with Seattle.
Gonzalez was a key contributor for the Patriots last season, allowing a league-low 43.4% completion rate when targeted, according to Pro Football Focus. New England's VP of Player Personnel, Elit Wolf, stated the team's desire to keep Gonzalez. "We want him here. He's an elite player. Been on record saying that before and we continue to work with his representation to find a resolution that works for everyone," Wolf said. "We're just taking it a day at a time right now. We haven't [set] a deadline."
When asked about the possibility of missing the season opener, a Super Bowl rematch against the Seahawks, Gonzalez remained noncommittal. "I'm focused on today, on this practice," he said. "And we'll see where we go from here."
