Both sides have cut it close, but in the end they succeeded.
The Patriots and cornerback Christian Gonzalez have agreed to terms on a four-year contract extension, according to multiple reports.
The deal is reportedly worth $135 million with $102 million guaranteed, making Gonzalez the highest-paid defender in league history.
Gonzalez, pick no. 17 overall in the 2023 draft, had been seeking a new deal all offseason. There was some question as to whether or not Gonzalez would play in New England’s season opener against Seattle on Thursday night.
Now that the contract is settled, Gonzalez has every reason to be on the field.
Gonzalez, 24, was a second-team AP All-Pro in 2024 and a Pro Bowler in 2025. He had 10 passes defensed in 14 regular-season games last year. He also had seven passes defensed, one forced fumble and one interception in New England’s four postseason games.
New England and Seattle will kick off the 2026 season on Wednesday night at 8:20pm ET on NBC and the Peacock.
