Pats CB Christian Gonzalez ‘Frustrated’ Over Lack Of Extension

Gonzalez, who had been out of action for two weeks with an apparent injury, returned to practice on Tuesday. Speaking with ESPN’s Mike Reiss and other reporters, the 2023 first-round pick expressed annoyance toward the lack of an agreement, saying: “It’s frustrating, but I’m focused on the season. I’m focused on here now.”

Owner Robert Kraft revealed last month that the Patriots had an offer out to make Gonzalez the league’s top-paid corner. That was before Witherspoon signed, though the Patriots are continuing to offer Gonzalez market-topping money, executive vice president Eliot Wolf said Tuesday (via Doug Kyed of the Boston Herald). While it is unclear what is holding up Gonzalez from signing, the Pro Bowler said “my team knows what we want.”

Wolf expressed optimism the Patriots would eventually meet Gonzalez’s demands, saying “momentum” has picked up in talks. The defending AFC champions have not set a Week 1 deadline, however, leaving the door open for discussions with agent Reggie Johnson to last into the regular season. Johnson also represents Witherspoon, whose negotiations with the Seahawks went much smoother than Gonzalez’s have with the Pats. Gonzalez reportedly wants to beat Witherspoon “by a lot” on a potential extension, which has complicated matters.

As things stand, Witherspoon ranks first among corners in contract value, average annual salary ($33MM), total guarantees ($101MM-plus) and full guarantees ($59MM-plus). The 24-year-old Gonzalez may surpass Witherspoon in some or all of those categories if he finds common ground with the Patriots, but an agreement does not appear imminent.

Considering Gonzalez has two seasons of control left, including his $18.1MM fifth-year option for 2027, the Patriots are not in immediate danger of losing him. However, with the cap increasing significantly on an annual basis, it would be ideal for New England to lock up Gonzalez sooner than later.