Overview
- Gonzalez returned to full practice on Tuesday and told reporters he is “frustrating” about negotiations but remains focused on preparing for the season.
- Patriots executive Eliot Wolf said there is “nothing new to report,” that the team wants Gonzalez to stay, and he confirmed the organization has offered terms that would make Gonzalez the highest‑paid cornerback.
- Devon Witherspoon’s four‑year, $132 million deal with roughly $101 million guaranteed has reset the market and shifted talks toward guarantees and contract structure rather than headline annual value.
- The Patriots control Gonzalez under his rookie deal with a fifth‑year option, meaning he will earn about $2.25 million in 2026 and $18.1 million in 2027 if no extension is reached, which reduces immediate pressure to sign.
- The sticking points over guaranteed money and contract form could push talks past the opener, affect New England’s cash budget for future extensions such as Drake Maye’s, and force Gonzalez to weigh short‑term security against the risk of waiting.