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Patriots Superstar Christian Gonzalez Could Be in for Big Payday After Sauce Gardner Deal

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nelson Hubbell | Last updated Jul 21, 2025 7:30 PM ET

On July 15, 2025, New York Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner inked a four‑year, $120.4 million extension, worth an average of $30.1 million per season. That contract cemented his status as the NFL’s highest‑paid cornerback, including $60 million in guarantees.

Gardner reset the market with that deal, and according to Bleacher Report's Matt Holder , another young superstar could be in for a new contract of his own. New England Patriots corner Christian Gonzalez had a breakout season in 2024 after injuries derailed what was already a very good start to his rookie season the year prior.

"He came back with a vengeance last fall, earning second-team All-Pro honors and ranking 11th (minimum 242 snaps) among cornerbacks with a 78.2 coverage grade from Pro Football Focus," Holder writes.

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler ranked Gonzalez sixth in the NFL among all cornerbacks. A "veteran NFL assistant" that Fowler spoke to had some incredible praise for the third-year pro, comparing him to the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year.

"'I think Gonzo [Gonzalez] is the next great one... Skills, patience, length. He's the closest thing to Pat [Surtain II]. Smooth, big athlete, travels a lot, can matchup against the best guy,' the assistant said."

Gonzalez's rookie contract runs through 2026, with the team in control of a fifth-year option, but he's eligible to negotiate an extension as early as this spring. Do not be surprised if the Patriots sign Gonzalez to a new deal in an effort to make him the franchise's latest defensive cornerstone.

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

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