With their season opener set for Wednesday night, the New England Patriots were unsure about the availability of star cornerback Christian Gonzalez. Gonzalez told reporters last week he was not sure if he'd play against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 1 if he did not have a contract extension with the Patriots. The 2023 first-round pick had been in negotiations with New England this offseason, and had a public contract dispute with the team amid Devon Withspoon's four-year, $132 million contract extension with Seattle this summer.
More News: Exclusive: Breakout NFL Executives Who Could Become Future General Managers More News: 4 QBs Generating Serious Trade Buzz Weeks Before NFL Regular Season Starts Per ESPN, the Patriots agreed to a record deal with Gonzalez on Monday night. He's signing a four-year, $135 million deal with $102 million guaranteed. "The New England Patriots and star cornerback Christian Gonzalez agreed to terms on a record-setting four-year, $135 million extension, sources told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler late Monday night," Mike Reiss wrote.
"The deal includes $102 million guaranteed, sources said." Gonzalez took to Instagram to confirm the news. PATS NATION LETS GO," Gonzalez wrote on his story. Gonzalez practiced with the Patriots last week despite not committing to play the Seahawks on Wednesday night.
Like I said, I’m worried about this practice. Focused on this practice. Always be where my feet are and do what I gotta do.” Gonzalez is a key piece of the Patriots defense that made the Super Bowl in February.
He earned second-team All-Pro honors in 2024 and received a Pro Bowl nomination in 2025. Gonzalez made a few notable pass breakups in February's Super Bowl, keeping the Patriots in the game until late in the fourth quarter. Gonzalez, 24, has appeared and started in 34 games during his first three years in the league.
He's recorded 145 tackles, one sack, 24 passes defensed and three interceptions. Per Pro Football Focus, he was graded as the No. 43 best cornerback in the league last season. For more on the Patriots and the NFL, head to Newsweek Sports.
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