Major update about Patriots, Christian Gonzalez contract standoff emerges

A recent update indicated that the New England Patriots and cornerback Christian Gonzalez were not close to agreeing to a contract extension. 

On Sunday, NFL insider Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk shared that the Patriots and Gonzalez are "trying to bridge the gap" regarding a possible deal now that the preseason has wrapped up. 

Patriots, Christian Gonzalez "are talking" amid contract standoff

"Per a source with knowledge of the situation, the two sides are talking — [9] days from the regular-season opener at Seattle," Florio wrote. 

Gonzalez and Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon are both represented by the Win Sports Group. Earlier this summer, Witherspoon received a record-setting four-year, $132M contract. 

It was previously hinted that Gonzalez and the Patriots could be far apart due to the structure of the extension. However, it does sound like the two parties could agree on a compromise as soon as this week. 

Gonzalez has two years remaining on his existing contract.

What Christian Gonzalez will likely receive from the Patriots

"Amid speculation in some circles that Gonzalez wants a three-year extension (making it a five-year deal) while the Patriots are dug in at four new years and six total, we’re told that’s not a sticking point. If/when a new contract is done, it will be a four-year extension," Florio added. "The sticking points have more to do with structure and total dollars. He’s surely looking to beat the new record high of $33M in new-money (average per year), set... by Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon. And, to the extent Gonzalez’s recent absence from practice was motivated by the lack of a deal, there’s always a chance he’ll be injured (or "injured") again as Week 1 approaches."

According to Patriots executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf, the team is prepared to make Gonzalez the new highest-paid cornerback in the NFL. Wolf also suggested last week that there were "no concerns" that Gonzalez may not play against the Seahawks if the player doesn't have an extension in hand by Sept. 9. 

It remains to be seen whether the situation will change before the Labor Day holiday weekend comes to an end.