The New England Patriots may not make as many massive moves as last offseason, but they have at least one key issue to address.
ESPN asked its reporters to identify each team’s biggest offseason question. For the Patriots, Mike Reiss asked how Christian Gonzalez will approach a potential contract extension.
“This is the first time in his career that he is eligible for an extension, even though he is technically under contract for one more season,” Reiss wrote. “So does Gonzalez force the issue? Or will he be patient and let the process play out? Gonzalez (four tackles, three passes defended) reminded everyone in Super Bowl LX that he is still an elite talent and critical to the Patriots’ success.”
Gonzalez remains under contract for next season, and the Patriots can exercise a fifth-year option to keep him in 2027. Yet the star cornerback will receive his first crack at securing a significant long-term payday, and New England may want to lock down the 23-year-old.
After receiving a second-team All-Pro nod in 2024, Gonzalez earned his first Pro Bowl selection this season by limiting opponents to 6.0 yards per target as a primary defender. He allowed a 43.0 passer rating in four playoff games, tallying a sack and an interception in New England’s AFC Championship Game win over the Denver Broncos.
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Gonzalez proved a rare bright spot in a Super Bowl loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who amassed an NFL-leading 1,793 receiving yards during the regular season, settled for just 27 yards on 10 targets.
Gonzalez declared after the game that he “no doubt” wants to stay in New England for the long haul. The Patriots can ensure that by extending him before commencing their AFC title defense.
