Patriots HC Mike Vrabel addresses repeated Christian Gonzalez narrative, gives training camp update

The perception exists that New England Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez and Devon Witherspoon of the Seattle Seahawks are waiting for the other to reset the market for players at the position amid ongoing contract negotiations. 

As Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times noted, both players are represented by the Win Sports Group. While speaking with reporters on Friday, Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel addressed the Gonzalez-Witherspoon topic that is hovering over both franchises this summer. 

Patriots are "not negotiating with the Seahawks" amid talks with Christian Gonzalez

"I don’t think they have anything to do with one another," Vrabel insisted, per Mark Daniels of MassLive. "We’re not negotiating with the Seahawks. We’re negotiating with Christian’s representatives. And I don’t think that there’s anything different than just our communication with them." 

This past April, the Patriots picked up the fifth-year option for 2027 attached to Gonzalez's contract. As Myles Simmons of Pro Football Talk shared, Gonzalez did not participate in portions of New England’s voluntary offseason program amid his desire for a lucrative extension. While the 24-year-old attended mandatory minicamp to avoid being fined, he didn’t participate fully in on-the-field work. 

Will Christian Gonzalez "hold in" during training camp?

Veteran players for both the Patriots and Seahawks were due to report for training camp on Friday. While Gonzalez reported for camp, some understandably wondered if he could "hold in" and not practice as a way to protest the fact that he hasn't yet received an extension offer to his liking. 

According to Vrabel, Gonzalez will take the practice field on Saturday. 

"He is here, and I would expect him to participate," Vrabel added about Gonzalez. "And so, you know, those contract negotiations are ongoing between the club and his agents, and I’m excited about having Christian back here with us and the impact that he can make on our football team. Really enjoy the person, enjoy the player, and that’s what I’m looking forward to."

History shows that players in Gonzalez's situation sometimes pick up a mysterious and unexpected "injury" early into training camp. It remains to be seen how Gonzalez will be feeling on Saturday morning.