Key Patriots Defender Absent at OTAs Amid New Contract Situation
The New England Patriots knew coming into the offseason they’d have to make an important decision on what to do with the contract of a 2023 first-round pick who was a key reason for the team’s run to the Super Bowl last season.
Cornerback Christian Gonzalez earned All-Pro Honors in 2024 and made the Pro Bowl in 2025. He made a valiant effort on defense in the Super Bowl, and the 29-13 loss to the Seattle Seahawks would have been worse for the Patriots had he not swatted a couple of passes that would have otherwise gone for big gains or touchdowns.
Gonzalez is eligible for a contract extension this offseason. Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated argued his extension would be the “biggest contractual decision” New England has this offseason. The cornerback could be in line for a new deal that pays nearly $35 million per year.
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Gonzalez’s contract could be the main reason why he’s been absent at much of voluntary OTAs this spring. Per Mike Reiss of ESPN, Gonzalez hasn’t been around the facility recently.
“Pro Bowl cornerback Christian Gonzalez was not present at Wednesday’s organized team activity open to reporters, and he hasn’t been part of the team’s voluntary work of late, according to a source,” Reiss wrote. Gonzalez had participated in the team’s voluntary offseason program each of the prior three seasons.
“The change coincides with this offseason marking the first time Gonzalez is eligible for a contract extension.”
Gonzalez had a strong 2025 campaign, finishing the regular season with a career-high 69 total tackles and 10 passes defensed in 14 games played.
Following the Super Bowl, Gonzalez said he’s ready to get back to work immediately to prepare for the 2026 campaign.
“We came up short,” he said. “Every year, (one) team loses the Super Bowl. You know, (the) team has been here before. It’s not the end of the world. Like I said… proud of the guys and get right back to it.”
He’s not right back to it this spring, and the Patriots will have to decide on what to do with one of their best young players.
New England has some big contract decisions to make on a few players in the next few offseasons. The Patriots are expected to trade for wide receiver A.J. Brown this week on a deal that pays $32 million annually. Quarterback Drake Maye, who finished second in the NFL MVP race, will be eligible for a contract extension next year.
The Patriots have some wiggle room. Per Over The Cap, the team has over $37 million cap space for 2027.
Extending Gonzalez should become the priority for the Patriots if/when the deal for Brown is finalized.
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This story was originally published May 31, 2026 at 12:00 PM.