Former NFL Agent Explains Possible Holdups in Christian Gonzalez Extension Talks
· Yahoo Sports
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Just days before the Patriots kick off their season in Seattle, one of their biggest pieces of business remains unfinished.
New England doesn't have to sign CB Christian Gonzalez to a long-term extension this year, as his contract isn't set to expire until the spring of 2028, but Gonzalez has made it clear that he's looking to follow in the footsteps of many other 2023 first-round picks and break the bank as soon as possible.
As talks continue without any agreement, former NFL agent Joel Corry explained for CBS Sports what might be standing in the way of a deal.
With the Patriots insisting that they have made an offer that would make Gonzalez the NFL's highest-paid cornerback,"the holdup is likely more structurally related than anything else," Corry says.
Seahawks CB Devon Witherspoon, who shares an agent with Gonzalez, could be the reason why. Witherspoon's deal is front-loaded, Corry says, with the Seahawks star receiving nearly 38 percent of the new money by the end of the contract's first season in 2028. That's a bit of a departure from the norm, as deals for Patrick Surtain II and Sauce Gardner were more balanced.
Corry explains that the Patriots' "recent insistence on massive per-game roster bonuses in veteran contracts" could be another sticking point, particularly given Gonzalez's lack of durability through three seasons in the NFL. While Witherspoon's contract is more straightforward, the Patriots tend to try to protect against injuries with these bonuses.
As Week 1 approaches, the clock is ticking for Gonzalez and the Patriots to work through these issues and any others.
Christian Gonzalez Contract Projection
While the finer details might be points of contention between the two sides, Gonzalez is likely in line to make about $35 million annually on his new deal.
Gonzalez wants to be the NFL's highest-paid cornerback, and, according to an NBC Sports Boston report from August, he wants to be treated as though he is at the negotiating table in 2027 to ensure his mark isn't surpassed when the salary cap rises next year.
With Witherspoon making $33 million annually on his new deal, one would have to think $35 million per year is the baseline for Gonzalez. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported after Witherspoon signed that $35 million annually is likely an accurate range for Gonzalez's next deal.
A $35 million-per-year deal over four years would take Gonzalez to $140 million in total value.