The New England Patriots already have a good thing going for them on offense for the foreseeable future (Drake Maye, the arrivals of A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs, an improved offensive line, and a promising run game), and it seems like their defense may be ready to follow suit.
In a recent appearance on "The Pat McAfee Show," Ian Rapoport of NFL Network said he thinks there is "a good chance" New England signs star cornerback Christian Gonzalez to a contract extension by the start of the season.
“Before the season, I think there’s a good chance,” Rapoport said about the Patriots potentially signing Gonzalez to a contract extension. “Next couple of days, I have not heard that. ... I imagine he is going to get a huge deal. I imagine the Patriots will make it work. I just don't know that it's going to be imminent. ... It's just a matter of when that thing can get done, and I guess how high."
A Christian Gonzalez extension should be a no-brainer for the Patriots
Yeah, this shouldn't really be that much of a debate.
Gonzalez has not only been New England's best defensive player since it drafted him with the 17th pick in 2023 (and even that was considered a steal at the time), but he has also become one of the NFL's top cornerbacks in that time. He's also turning just 24 years old near the end of June.
The Oregon alum was one of the few bright spots for the Patriots during their disastrous 29-13 loss against the Seattle Seahawks in the Super Bowl. He allowed just three receptions for 36 yards on seven targets (including just one reception for 16 yards on three targets against Jaxon Smith-Njigba, the reigning NFL Offensive Player of the Year).
Gonzo also prevented two additional touchdowns from happening and making what ended up being a blowout anyway a full-on massacre (he swatted a deep pass to Rashid Shaheed early in the second quarter, which would have been a touchdown otherwise, and broke up a pass to JSN in the end zone late in the same quarter)
New England's offense is looking like a real unit moving forward. But this team's identity is going to be all about the defense, especially with Mike Vrabel leading the way. It doesn't matter how much it's going to cost them; the Patriots need to do whatever they can to ensure they keep their star cornerback around for the long run. And it needs to happen as soon as possible.
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