Getty
New England Patriots defender Christian Gonzalez
Christian Gonzalez earned his first All-Pro nod in the 2024-25 season, when he earned second-team All-Pro honors. Now, he has earned his first Pro Bowl, which will be held in Santa Clara, the home of the San Francisco 49ers.
Despite missing the first four games of the season, the New England Patriots defender has been one of the best players at his respective position this season.
On the season, Gonzalez has allowed only 33 receptions with a passer rating of 68.4% when quarterbacks target him. He also recorded 7 pass deflections on the season.
New England revamped the defense across the board in the offseason, which helps Gonzalez make his case to become a Pro Bowler.
Massive Pay Bump For The Cornerback
GettyChristian Gonzalez of the New England Patriots.
All first-round draft picks have a fifth-year option, which is decided by the team as to whether they would like to keep the player an extra year beyond their original rookie contract. With the way the cornerback is playing, it is more than obvious the Patriots will have the former Oregon Duck for a fifth year.
With Christian Gonzalez becoming a Pro Bowler, he will receive a pay bump in his fifth-year clause if the Patriots decide to pick it up.
The amount a player receives in their fifth-year option varies. There is a set amount if a team picks up their former first-round draft picks clause, but playing time and the number of Pro Bowls the player gets also play a factor.
Despite being an All-Pro last season, that didn’t play a part in how much Gonzalez will receive. Now, as a Pro Bowler, that number has jumped up.
The cornerback was originally set to make $11.7 million, but will now earn $17.5 million, according to Over the Cap. If Gonzalez makes the Pro Bowl a second time, that $17.5 million will turn into $20.85 million.
The former 17th overall draft pick in the 2023 NFL Draft is still just 23 years old and will continue to remain a key member of the Patriots’ defense.
Christian Gonzalez On Being A Pro Bowler
GettyNew England Patriots defensive back Christian Gonzalez
Christian Gonzalez from last year’s Pro Bowl, but was able to become a second-team All-Pro.
Even the cornerback felt disrespected about not earning that honor. Following the reveal from last year’s Pro Bowl list, the defender took to X (formerly Twitter) and posted a laughing emoji. Just a year later, the Patriot is now a Pro Bowler.
“[Feeling respected] around the league, that’s a big thing,” Gonzalez said when asked about being a Pro Bowler. “Appreciative of it and glad for the honor.”
“Thinking about it and watching the Pro Bowl growing up, always knowing I wanted to be in it. It’s a cool honor. Cool thing to get.”
Gonzalez mentioned that he is happy to get the Pro Bowl nod, but that he and the team are focused on the remainder of the season and carrying momentum into the playoffs.
Jason Garcia Jason Garcia is a sports contributor for Heavy Sports who joined the team in 2025, covering the New England Patriots, Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers. More about Jason Garcia
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