Is New England Patriots star CB Christian Gonzalez holding out?

The NFL has entered the offseason workout phase, and it’s not uncommon for players to skip voluntary activities while seeking new contracts. The Arizona Cardinals are currently dealing with that situation involving quarterback Jacoby Brissett. Now, the New England Patriots may be facing a similar issue with one of their young stars.

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Reports indicate that Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez has skipped voluntary OTAs for the first time in his professional career. He attended each of the previous three offseason workout programs, leading to speculation that his absence is tied to contract extension talks.

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The Patriots exercised Gonzalez’s fifth-year option last offseason, keeping him under contract through the 2027 season. However, as more teams sign their first-round picks to extensions before they reach the fifth year of their rookie deals, Gonzalez could be seeking a similar commitment.

Jan 25, 2026; Denver, CO, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez reacts after an interception against the Denver Broncos in the 2026 AFC Championship Game at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

This is just the latest storyline surrounding the Patriots this offseason. In addition to ongoing headlines involving head coach Mike Vrabel, New England has reportedly engaged in trade discussions with the Philadelphia Eagles. Those conversations have centered on Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown.

Acquiring Brown would require more than valuable draft capital. It would also come with significant financial considerations. Brown has four years remaining on his contract and would carry a cap hit of roughly $7 million this season. That figure climbs above $20 million next year.

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The good news for New England is that the team has approximately $80 million in combined salary cap space over the next two seasons. However, the Patriots are not expected to have much cap space available to roll over into 2027. Given that reality, extending Gonzalez now may be the organization’s best move.

Feb 8, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez (0) breaks up a pass intended for Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (22) in the first half in Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Patriots selected Gonzalez with the 17th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. The selection originally belonged to the Pittsburgh Steelers, who traded up with New England to acquire the 14th overall pick. Gonzalez watched two cornerbacks come off the board before the Patriots called his name.

A season-ending shoulder injury limited Gonzalez to just four games as a rookie. He bounced back in 2024, earning second-team All-Pro honors and establishing himself as one of the NFL’s top young cornerbacks.

Gonzalez is expected to command a lucrative new contract. Currently, Los Angeles Rams cornerback Trent McDuffie holds the highest average annual value among cornerbacks at $31 million per season.

Will Gonzalez reset the cornerback market as his representatives negotiate his next deal?

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