For the first time in his young career, New England Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez is eligible for a contract extension this offseason.
After three years in the NFL, Gonzalez has cemented himself as one of the better players at his position. In 2025, he surrendered a completion rate of 53.6% and a passer rating of 79.9 when targeted.
When it comes to how much Gonzalez could command in a new contract, ESPN’s Mike Reiss projects a deal in the “same financial ballpark” as Indianapolis Colts cornerback Sauce Gardner’s contract, which is four years for $120.4 million.
“The New York Jets gave Sauce Gardner a four-year, $120.4 million extension shortly after as he was set to enter Year 4, as well,” Reiss said. “A potential Gonzalez extension will be in the same financial ballpark.”
Gardner’s contract ranks first among cornerbacks in annual average and total value, but he falls short of Houston Texans cornerback Derek Stingly in terms of total guaranteed money ($89 million) and fully guaranteed money ($48 million).
Gonzalez could very well surpass both Gardner and Stingley in all four of those categories.
Now, the Patriots don’t have to ink Gonzalez right away, as he’s still got two more years left on his rookie deal when you include the fifth-year option.
But the longer the Patriots wait, the more expensive Gonzalez could become if other cornerbacks manage to reset the market between now and when he signs his extension.
More NFL News