Overview
- The Patriots star cornerback did not attend the team's voluntary OTAs, a change from his prior seasons that multiple outlets reported as a contract-driven holdout.
- Teammates and coaches have publicly supported Gonzalez while saying talks are ongoing, and Gonzalez appeared at Drake Maye’s charity softball event showing he is healthy.
- New England exercised Gonzalez’s fifth-year option earlier this offseason, keeping him under club control through 2027 and giving the team leverage in negotiations.
- Insiders and local reporters project Gonzalez is seeking a deal around $30–$35 million per year and note he shares representation with Devon Witherspoon, which could influence who sets the market.
- Coach Mike Vrabel expects Gonzalez back for mandatory work next week, and beat writers still view an extension before the season as likely though no agreement has been announced.