The New England Patriots are unsure about the availability of one of their key players before Wednesday night's season opener against the Seattle Seahawks. The Seahawks have been a thorn in the side of the Patriots in recent months. Seattle defeated New England 29-13 in February's Super Bowl.
The Seahawks gave their cornerback Devon Witherspoon a four-year, $132 million contract extension in August, which complicated the Patriots' negotiations with Christian Gonzalez. Gonzalez is expected to be seeking a contract that will break Witherspoon's record. More News: ESPN Analyst: Lamar Jackson, Ravens Could Be Heading for Divorce More News: 4 QBs Generating Serious Trade Buzz Weeks Before NFL Regular Season Starts When asked by reporters if he'd play against the Seahawks on Wednesday under his current rookie contract, Gonzalez wouldn't commit to playing Seattle, saying he focused on practice on Saturday.
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, a first-round pick in the 2023 draft, earned All-Pro honors in 2024 and a Pro Bowl nomination last season.
During training camp, Patriots owner Robert Kraft suggested the team was prepared to give Gonzalez the largest player contract in Patriots history. The fourth-year cornerback didn't appreciate Kraft airing that knowledge to the public. Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel is trying to keep his team focused on Seattle amid speculation on Gonzalez and his contract negotiations.
"There's no 'Is it almost done? Is it not almost done?' I don't wanna deal with hypotheticals or speculation," Vrabel said, via NBC Sports Boston. "It's important to focus on Seattle.
And again, I do appreciate and understand what you guys feel like is important. I just know what's important for us is how we prepare, and this is a good football team. "This is an excellent football team.
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