Christian Gonzalez Extension Wait Grows as Witherspoon Talks Lag
Christian Gonzalez still does not have an extension with the New England Patriots, and the hold-up may last longer than expected. The cornerback said after the Super Bowl that he wants to remain in New England, but he left the contract work to his agents.
Gonzalez Leaves Negotiations to Agents
“I’m not really trying to get into all of that,” Gonzalez said after the Super Bowl. “I mean, it’s kind of more my agents, they’ll deal with that and keep me up to speed on it.”
He also made clear that his attention was on the moment inside the building. “Coming in today, I just wanted to see the guys, hang out with them a couple more times,” he said. “I mean, it’s the last time this full team, coaching staff will be in the building. So, focus on that.”
“Hanging out with the guys one more time today,” Gonzalez said, adding, “And, you know, my agents and (Mike Vrabel) and all, they’ll talk.”
Witherspoon Talks Set the Pace
The delay is tied to another cornerback market race. Gonzalez and Devon Witherspoon share the same agent, and the extension path for Gonzalez is now expected to follow Witherspoon's situation more closely.
On Saturday, 's Brady Henderson reported that the Seahawks and Witherspoon were not close to an extension. Seattle made an initial offer several weeks ago, but no deal was near. In March, Seattle and Jaxon Smith-Njigba agreed to a four-year, $168.6 million extension, but that does not move Gonzalez any closer on its own.
Cornerback Market Pressure
Gonzalez is viewed as one of the best corners in the league and is likely aiming to become the highest-paid corner in football. The top of that market is set by Tret McDuffie, whose four-year, $124 million deal is the largest contract in NFL history for a corner.
That is the benchmark Gonzalez and Witherspoon are pushing against. Both are considered worthy of resetting the cornerback market, and the timing of one deal could shape the other. For the Patriots, the situation leaves a top defensive piece still unsigned while the price for elite cornerbacks keeps climbing.
After the season ended, Gonzalez said he wants to remain with the Patriots. Until the market moves again, his extension looks tied to what happens next in Seattle.
