Patriots Make Christian Gonzalez Highest-Paid Cornerback Ever at $135M
The four-year deal with $102 million guaranteed lands less than 48 hours before the opener in Seattle and ends a summer in which Gonzalez skipped voluntary work and publicly aired his frustration.
The New England Patriots and cornerback Christian Gonzalez agreed to a four-year, $135 million extension with $102 million guaranteed, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported, making him the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history ahead of Seattle's Devon Witherspoon at $132 million.
How did the standoff end?
Gonzalez, 24, skipped much of the voluntary offseason program and took part only in limited drills at mandatory minicamp. On Aug. 25 he said he was frustrated that talks remained unresolved, disputing owner Robert Kraft's claim that the team had already offered to make him the league's top-paid cornerback. The deal was finalized less than 48 hours before Wednesday's opener against the Seahawks. Gonzalez posted on Instagram: "THANK YOU LORD! PATS NATION LETS GO."
What is New England paying for?
Gonzalez, the 17th overall pick in 2023, has been named All-Pro and to the Pro Bowl and was eligible for his first extension this offseason. He also recovered from a lower-leg injury suffered Aug. 10, and coach Mike Vrabel had said he expected Gonzalez to play in Week 1 regardless of the contract.
Players in this story
Sources
- ESPN: Sources: Christian Gonzalez, Patriots reach 4-year, $135M deal
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