Overview
- Gonzalez signed a four-year, $135 million extension this month that the Patriots said included record guarantees for a cornerback.
- Pro Football Focus gave Gonzalez an 87.4 grade for his Week 1 performance after he allowed one catch for four yards on five targets and recorded two pass breakups.
- Gonzalez said he respects DK Metcalf and is “excited for the matchup,” setting up a direct challenge to a 6-foot-4, 235-pound receiver who combines rare size and speed.
- Metcalf had a modest opener with four catches for 40 yards for Pittsburgh while the Patriots listed veteran cornerback Carlton Davis III as questionable with a neck issue.
- The contract follows a market reset driven by Devon Witherspoon’s earlier deal and the Patriots’ prior decision to pick up Gonzalez’s fifth-year option, so his performance this week could shape perceptions of the signing and short-term roster planning.