Will the Patriots be taking the fifth-year option?
According to New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel, the team will be looking to pick up the fifth-year option on cornerback Christian Gonzalez's rookie contract.
The deal is set to pay Gonzalez $18.1 million and ensure he remains with the team through the 2027 season. What many people seem to feel is that, between now and then, both Gonzalez's reps and the Patriots can reach an agreement to keep him here long term with a brand-new contract.
A contract that many feel could solidify him as the highest-paid cornerback in the NFL.
At the league's annual meeting, Mike Vrabel found himself surrounded by reporters, where he took questions about A.J. Brown, TreVeyon Henderson's controversial comments, and his star cornerback's potential contract extension.
"Yes. If we haven't picked it up, we should pick it up," Vrabel said on Gonzalez's 2027 option.
Gonzalez is what many feel was the last great draft pick Bill Belichick ever did for the New England Patriots. The Oregon Duck was the 17th overall pick in the 203 draft and, over the last three seasons, has proved himself a worthy asset to the Patriots' secondary.
In 2025, Gonzalez had a Pro Bowl season, recording 54 tackles and 10 pass deflections. The term "shut down corner" has been utilized to label Gonzalez as of late. He recorded no interceptions in the regular season in 2025 and one in the postseason (AFC Championship Game).
It's clear that nobody really wants to throw his way.
Gonzalez was key in eliminating Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba from being a factor in Super Bowl LX. Still, his efforts were not enough to help the Patriots win the big game.
For months now, the Patriots have shown a strong interest in signing Gonzalez to a long-term deal. However, the price to do that could get even higher the longer the Patriots take to do it.
At only 23 years old, it's clear as day that Gonzalez is one of the best cornerbacks in the game, maybe even the best currently. Despite someone like Drake Maye, the Patriots need to make it a point to show Christian Gonzalez just how interested they are in keeping him around long term before someone else does over the next few years.
Patriots Roundtable also offers a fan community and message board. We’d love to have you join us to talk all things Patriots. Click the “Join” button at the top of the page to join our community for free.