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Mike Vrabel Reveals Patriots’ Plan for Christian Gonzalez

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio G Losada | Last updated Mar 31, 2026 2:50 PM ET

The New England Patriots entered the offseason focused on building around a roster that already carried the franchise into the playoffs after a three-year absence, making it all the way to the Super Bowl for the first time since 2018.

New England has been able to retain most of its core players, but one of them, cornerback Christian Gonzalez, still didn't know about his future with or outside of the organization deep into the offseason.

Gonzalez has emerged as one of the Patriots' best players during his three years in the NFL, developing into a top defender since being selected with the No. 17 overall pick of the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft.

The cornerback has already earned both second-team All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors in his first few seasons, and that's after only appearing in four games as a rookie back in 2023.

New England Patriots cornerback Christian GonzalezVincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

On Tuesday, head coach Mike Vrabel confirmed the organization’s direction regarding Gonzalez’s future while speaking at the NFL Annual Meetings, as the cornerback's deal is set to expire after next season—with New England holding a team-option to extend it for a fifth season.

“Yes,” Vrabel said when asked about the franchise's intention to exercise Gonzalez’s fifth-year option. “If we haven’t picked it up, we should pick it up.”

Vrabel also addressed the team’s broader approach to keeping players like Gonzalez in New England beyond their rookie deals, hinting at a long-term extension coming the cornerback's way shortly.

Patriots HC Mike Vrabel on Christian Gonzalez's fifth-year option: "Yes. If we haven't picked it up, we should pick it up."
— Doug Kyed (@DougKyed) March 31, 2026

“We want to make sure that we draft extremely well, and then we identify the guys that we want to keep with us and that have earned long-term extensions with us,” Vrabel said. “And Christian, Gonzo is certainly one of those players, but I can’t comment on the negotiations.”

When exercised, the fifth-year option will guarantee Gonzalez $18.1 million for the 2027 season.

Gonzalez, 23, has recorded 145 tackles, two interceptions, 24 pass breakups and a sack during his career and across 34 regular-season appearances. He also finished last postseason with 81 tackles, seven passes deflected and one interception.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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