Overview
- Christian Gonzalez did not attend the Patriots' voluntary OTAs on Wednesday and was listed by coach Mike Vrabel as a surprise absentee.
- Vrabel said the absence is a personal choice and that he and the defensive staff have had direct communication with Gonzalez about his status.
- The Patriots already exercised Gonzalez's fifth‑year rookie option earlier this offseason, keeping him under contract through at least 2027.
- Gonzalez remains extension‑eligible and is widely viewed as one of the NFL's top cornerbacks, which fuels projections that his next deal could reset the position's market.
- The Patriots held spring OTAs as voluntary activities and will hold a mandatory three‑day minicamp in mid‑June that could make any continued absences a formal team issue.