Rodney Harrison warns Patriots about Christian Gonzalez situation

In an offseason filled with off-the-field drama, the New England Patriots are trying to focus back on football. Still, the front office has at least one more hurdle to leap.

Cornerback Christian Gonzalez has been absent from New England’s Organized Team Activities. Now eligible for a contract extension, Gonzalez is hoping he gets one before Week 1. Patriots legend Rodney Harrison is urging the franchise to come to a resolution with their cornerback sooner rather than later, via Mike Reiss of ESPN.

“They’re playing with fire,” Harrison said. “This is a young stud corner you drafted.

Reiss added more context to Gonzalez’s current absence. With him skipping OTAs correlating with his extension eligibility, the Patriots will have to pay up to keep the cornerback in New England long-term.

“Pro Bowl cornerback Christian Gonzalez was not present at Wednesday’s organized team activity open to reporters, and he hasn’t been part of the team’s voluntary work of late, according to a source,” Reiss said. “Gonzalez had participated in the team’s voluntary offseason program each of the prior three seasons. The change coincides with this offseason marking the first time Gonzalez is eligible for a contract extension.”

The cornerback has started 34 games for the Patriots since being selected at No. 17 in 2023. Overall, he has put up 145 tackles, 24 passes defended and three interceptions. Gonzalez was named a Pro Bowler for the first time in 2025 after recording 69 tackles and 10 passes defended.

New England has already picked up his fifth-year option. But to get Gonzalez back in the building and a part of the Patriots’ defensive core, an extension will have to head his way.