As the New England Patriots kickoff their 2026 season in three days, cornerback Christian Gonzalez remains without a contract extension.
Speaking last week, Gonzalez admitted frustration for the first time this offseason and reports soon followed that the two sides "haven't been close" on a new deal .
The Patriots and Gonzalez's camp have continued to discuss the deal ahead of Week 1, although Gonzalez has not confirmed whether or not he will suit up in the opener. As no deal has been reached, fans aren't confident it will get done by kickoff Wednesday night.
In the latest SB Nation Reacts survey, only 38% of participants voted an extension will be completed by Week 1.
Much of comment section remained split:
spyponder90
As much as I hope yes my gut says no. Regardless of what is true or not that is being reported about the negotiations both sides seem dug in on their perspective. I am not aware of any firm deadline that week 1 represents – he is under contract for 2 more years and an old fashioned hold out seems useless based on the contract tolling to next year if he sits out.
NittanyLions2.0
I think it gets done, but more towards the Pats favor from what he's asking. But it's not unrealistic that a team makes an offer that might be too good to pass up. Wouldn't mind a deal with Vegas involving Max Crosby. His contract will be cheaper than the Gonzalez deal.
Pat in Agawam
After what came out yesterday, I think they do.
Mysterious Moe Berg
He's under contract now. He's missed OTA's and joint practices. If it's because he's holding out because of the contract and doing just enough to not get fined, then he's not the good soldier some have made him out to be. If it's because he was genuinely hurt, that kind of validates the Patriots concerns. Plus his "trainer" admitted that Kraft's offer to make him the highest paid at his position was true. Suit up and play against the Hawks or pack your bags ad we'll get picks for players that want to be out there.
Chu
They'd better, so I think they will.
LandenPatz1
They'd better. But I dont think it will
All in all, this week's survey results look as follows:
During his three years in New England, Gonzalez has established himself as one of the very best cornerbacks in football. That has included him being named second-team All-Pro and a Pro Bowler.
After missing the beginning of last season due to a hamstring injury, Gonzalez returned and played every game for the Patriots. Head coach Mike Vrabel noted he saw a different version of Gonzalez from the Week 16 Ravens game and on.
As the Patriots dialed up their blitz and man coverage rate through the playoffs, Gonzalez was one of the team's best players with a game-sealing interception in the AFC Championship Game and several pass breakups in the Super Bowl.
With Super Bowl aspirations remaining this season, New England needs a fully locked-in Gonzalez in their secondary.
Currently, the Patriots are tied for the seventh highest odds on FanDuel Sportsbook to win the Super Bowl — which ranks fifth in the AFC.
