“We want to make sure that we draft extremely well, and then we identify the guys that we want to keep with us and that have earned long-term extensions with us,” Vrabel said on Gonzalez and his future in New England. “And Christian, Gonzo is certainly one of those players, but I can\u2019t comment on a negotiation … If we haven\u2019t picked it up, we should pick it up.”<\/p>\n
Mike Vrabel on #Patriots<\/a> CB Christian Gonzalez\u2019s fifth-year option and his potential extension:<\/p>\n \u201cYes. If we haven\u2019t picked it up, we should pick it up.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe wanna make sure that we draft extremely well and then we identify the guys we wanna keep\u2026 Gonzo\u2019s certainly one of those\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/Dgs0QmjtXa<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Carlos A. Lopez (@LosTalksPats) March 31, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n The Pats have until May 1 to pick up Gonzalez’s fifth-year option, which would carry a value of $18.119 million<\/a> for the 2027 season. Gonzalez is now eligible<\/a> for an extension, as he is heading into his fourth year of his rookie contract.<\/p>\n Christian Gonzalez Expected to Land Fifth-Year Option<\/p>\n Gonzalez was originally drafted at No. 17 overall by New England in 2023 and went on to earn second-team All-Pro honors in 2024; he was named to his first Pro Bowl in 2025. The CB was also greatly useful to the Patriots in their postseason run.<\/p>\n His postseason, which saw New England fall short in Super Bowl LX, was highlighted by an AFC Championship-clinching interception. Gonzalez would also record three pass breakups against the Seattle Seahawks in Levi’s Stadium.<\/p>\n Feb 8, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez (0) against the Seattle Seahawks during Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images<\/p>\n Gonzalez previously said back in February that he is hopeful he will remain with New England for as long as possible \u2014 also citing there is nowhere else he wants to play.<\/p>\n “Oh, yeah, no doubt,” Gonzalez said back in February during locker room clean-out, per Pats Pulpit<\/a>. \u201cThis is where I got drafted, and I don\u2019t want to be anywhere else.”<\/p>\n He saw play collegiately with Oregon, in which he was the first Oregon defensive back to be drafted in the first round since Alex Molden in 1996, and the fourth all-time.<\/p>\n In three seasons of league work, Gonzalez has totaled 145 tackles, two interceptions, 24 pass breakups and a sack.<\/p>\n![\"New](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/01kn2hna67m34e9caqgg.jpg\" "\\"New")
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