Patriots and cornerback Christian Gonzalez far apart in contract talks ahead of season opener

New England Patriots and 2023 first-round pick cornerback Christian Gonzalez have not reached a contract agreement as the NFL season approaches, and sources say a deal before the opening game is doubtful. Sports reporter Ian Scheffer said the two sides are "not close" to a settlement and that it would be hard to imagine a deal being finalized by opening night, though he left open the possibility of a last-minute push.

Gonzalez, 24, has emerged as one of the league’s top cornerbacks and is seeking a contract that would make him the highest-paid player at his position. The current benchmark is Seattle Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon, who signed a four-year, $132 million extension with an average annual value of $33 million.

Patriots owner Robert Kraft and de facto general manager Eliot Wolf have indicated willingness to meet Gonzalez’s demands, but insiders suggest the franchise has not yet offered terms near Witherspoon’s deal. One NFL insider, Benjamin Allbright of KOA Colorado, expressed optimism that a contract will eventually be reached.

"There always can be a last-second push and there always can be something that changes," Scheffer said, adding that the situation will be reassessed once the season begins.