Patriots CB Christian Gonzalez Wants to Stay in New England

Gonzalez is entering the final year of his rookie contract and is open to an extension with the team that drafted him.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Just days after the Patriots' Super Bowl LX loss, cornerback Christian Gonzalez is already thinking about his future in New England. Gonzalez, who is heading into the final year of his rookie contract, made it clear he wants to remain with the Patriots, the team that drafted him. The 24-year-old said he is not worried about the contract details and is leaving that to his agent and the Patriots' executives to figure out.

Why it matters

Gonzalez emerged as one of the NFL's top cornerbacks in 2025, recording a career-high 69 tackles. Retaining him will be a priority for the Patriots as they look to bounce back from their Super Bowl defeat and remain competitive in the AFC.

The details

Gonzalez said he doesn't want to be anywhere else other than New England, where he was drafted. He is focused on spending time with his teammates and coaches before the offseason, rather than worrying about the contract negotiations. The Patriots will likely have to make Gonzalez one of the highest-paid cornerbacks in the league, with Colts star Sauce Gardner currently leading the position with an average of $30.1 million per year.

  • The Patriots lost Super Bowl LX to the Seahawks just a couple days ago.
  • Gonzalez is heading into the final year of his rookie contract.

The players

Christian Gonzalez

A 24-year-old cornerback for the New England Patriots who is entering the final year of his rookie contract.

Mike Vrabel

The head coach of the New England Patriots.

Sauce Gardner

A star cornerback for the Indianapolis Colts who currently has the highest average annual salary for a cornerback at $30.1 million per year.

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What they’re saying

“Oh, yeah, no doubt. This is where I got drafted, and I don't want to be anywhere else.”

— Christian Gonzalez, Patriots Cornerback (Boston Herald)

“I'm not really trying to get into all of that. I mean, it's kind of more my agents, they'll deal with that and keep me up to speed on it. Coming in today, I just wanted to see the guys, hang out with them a couple more times. I mean, it's the last time this full team, coaching staff will be in the building. So, [I] focus on that. My agents and [Mike Vrabel] and all, they'll talk.”

— Christian Gonzalez, Patriots Cornerback (Boston Herald)

What’s next

The Patriots and Gonzalez's agents will work to negotiate a contract extension that will keep the cornerback in New England beyond the 2026 season.

The takeaway

Gonzalez's desire to remain with the Patriots despite entering the final year of his rookie deal shows his commitment to the organization that drafted him. Retaining one of the league's top young cornerbacks will be crucial for the Patriots as they look to bounce back from their Super Bowl defeat and remain competitive in the AFC.