09/06/2026
DEVELOPING: Patriots star CB Christian Gonzalez has not committed to playing in Wednesday's regular season opener vs. Seahawks amid a contract dispute.
The Patriots face off against the defending Super Bowl champs in just three days, and they might have to do so without their top defensive back.
“I’m focused on today,” Gonzalez said when asked about his status for Wednesday during yesterday's presser.
"Right now, it is practice in what, a couple, 30 minutes, 40 minutes. Worried on that right now, so we’ll focus on that.”
Gonzalez, 24, answered, “I don’t know,” when asked whether contract talks were progressing.
Gonzalez has been seeking an extension worth more than Devon Witherspoon's 4-year/$132M deal ($33M APY), but the sides have remained apart in negotiations.
Gonzalez, who's under contract for the next two seasons with his 2027 fifth-year option included, would forfeit his $125,526.78 weekly base salary, along with any potentially applicable per-game roster bonuses if he sits out any games.
When asked if he'd request a trade, Gonzalez said, "I’m here right now…I’ll always be where my feet are and do what I gotta do.”
