Insider hints at source of animosity between Christian Gonzalez, Patriots

The New England Patriots and Christian Gonzalez still don't see eye to eye.

The talented cornerback is eligible to sign a contract extension, and while all signs pointed to him resetting the market, that hasn't happened yet.

Moreover, it doesn't sound like he's willing to make any concessions or give the team a hand in this one, although he's not likely to hold out.

According to ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler, frustration might stem from team owner Robert Kraft and the attention he drew to the situation with his comments.

Robert Kraft's comments may have rubbed Christian Gonzalez the wrong way

“But this one is taking a while to reach a conclusion,” Fowler wrote. “Gonzalez did not appear thrilled when addressing local media members this summer. Perhaps that had something to do with team owner Robert Kraft floating publicly at the start of camp that New England offered to make Gonzalez the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history.”

The season opener is just around the corner, and the insider added that both sides remain miles apart on a potential agreement.

“My understanding of this situation is that if Gonzalez were to sign a market-setting deal — and it will need to be just that — then it has to be buttoned up. And the sides are not close on several elements of the deal,” added Fowler.

The Patriots have been infamously frugal in the past couple of decades, even getting Tom Brady to take team-friendly deals.

When they do sign market-resetting deals, they usually protect themselves with clauses, guarantees or the length of the contract.

Devon Witherspoon just reset the market with his contract extension with the Seattle Seahawks, and Gonzalez is represented by the same agency.

As such, the holdup might be related to language or guarantees, with the Patriots unwilling to match what the defending champions gave their young star.

The clock is ticking, and it looks like this will get worse before it gets any better.