Robert Kraft, Patriots put historic contract offer on table for Christian Gonzalez

Robert Kraft, Patriots put historic contract offer on table for Christian Gonzalez

Robert Kraft is offering Christian Gonzalez a record-breaking sum of money.

Gonzalez, 24, earned Pro Bowl honors last season at cornerback as New England made a trip to the Super Bowl.

And as he enters the final two years of his rookie contract (with a team option for 2027), Patriots brass is focused on giving Gonzalez a historic deal for a cornerback.

“We love Christian Gonzalez. We love him as a player, as a person, and that’s why we’ve made an offer to him to make him the highest-paid player to ever play that position in the NFL,” Patriots owner Kraft said Saturday morning before training camp, per ESPN.

“And coincidentally, it is the highest contract in Patriots franchise history. So we’re glad we drafted him, he’s developed here, and we hope he’ll be with us for a long time.”

Christian Gonzalez is in negotiations for a new contract from the Patriots. Getty Images

Gonzalez, the No. 17 overall draft pick in 2023, was a full participant in Saturday’s practice amid his contract negotiations.

He is set to make a base salary of $2.259 million this season.

At one point during the practice session, Gonzalez and Kraft reportedly shook hands.

“Contract negotiations are ongoing between the club and his agents,” head coach Mike Vrabel said, acknowledging the talks. “I’m excited about having Christian back here with us and the impact that he can make on our football team, and I really enjoy the person, enjoy the player.”


New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft looking to his right.
Robert Kraft said the Patriots are willing to make Gonzalez the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history. Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Rams cornerback Trent McDuffie became the league’s highest-paid player at his position in March when he inked a four-year, $124 million deal — a $31 million annual average.

Gonzalez would eclipse that figure if he does get the money that Kraft has discussed, though he’s not holding out of practice like many NFL players have done when looking for a new deal.

“I think it shows his main focus, and that’s football,” quarterback Drake Maye said. “He’s the best corner in the league, in my opinion. He’s not the big rah-rah guy, he does it his own way, but he does it at the highest level. I’m glad to be his teammate.”

Gonzalez and the Patriots will look to get even better after going 14-3 and losing to the Seahawks in the Super Bowl last season.

New England opens its season in a rematch with the Seahawks in Seattle on Sept 9.

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