Vrabel on Gonzalez's Frustration: Players Free to Feel

Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez expressed frustration at the pace of contract talks earlier this week, and the sides don't appear close on an extension. After the Patriots' 37-13 loss to the Browns in the preseason finale, coach Mike Vrabel addressed the situation, saying he has conversations with Gonzalez and tries to treat it with class. tbzikra.org

The Seahawks recently signed cornerback Devon Witherspoon to a four-year, $132 million deal, which should provide a template for the Patriots. Gonzalez, the 17th overall pick in 2023, made second-team All-Pro in 2024 and the Pro Bowl in 2025. He is under contract for the next two seasons and scheduled to make a base salary of $2.259 million this season.