The New England Patriots are making Christian Gonzalez the highest-paid cornerback in the NFL with a four-year, $135-million extension, sources told NFL insider Jordan Schultz.
The contract eclipses the four-year, $132-million contract Seattle Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon signed in August, and it reportedly includes $102 million guaranteed.
The agreement comes after tense negotiations that led to questions about whether Gonzalez would suit up for Week 1. He's now certain to play Wednesday against the Seahawks, and is set to operate as the Patriots' top cornerback for the next several years.
New England selected Gonzalez 17th overall in 2023 in what marked longtime coach Bill Belichick's final draft with the organization. Gonzalez was an instant hit, with only a shoulder injury setting him back in the early going of his career.
Gonzalez was a Pro Bowler for the first time last year, even though he didn't record an interception in the regular season. He got on the board with a pick in the AFC Championship Game to help beat the Denver Broncos and propel the Patriots into Super Bowl LX.
