Pro Bowl cornerback Christian Gonzalez is adamant that he intends to stay with the New England Patriots despite skipping voluntary OTAs during ongoing contract extension negotiations.
"I've got obligations. I'm here," Gonzalez said Tuesday at New England's mandatory minicamp, according to CBS Boston's Matt Schooley. "Of course I want to be here. I've said this multiple times, I've been drafted here. I want to be rewarded as a Patriot. I love this town, I love this city. So yeah, of course I want to be here."
When asked if he feels negotiations are getting close to an agreement, Gonzalez said, "I hope so."
The 23-year-old has emerged as a stalwart of the Patriots' defense and one of the most versatile defensive backs in the league. A first-round pick in 2023, he recorded 69 tackles and 10 passes defended in 2025 to earn his first career Pro Bowl nod.
Gonzalez could be in line to reset the cornerback market given his production over the past two seasons. Trent McDuffie is currently the highest-paid corner in the NFL with an average salary of $31 million. The Patriots picked up the fifth-year option on Gonzalez's rookie deal in April, keeping him under contract through the 2027 season.
Head coach Mike Vrabel said his "conversations have been great" with Gonzalez, although he's not involved in the negotiations.
Vrabel also confirmed that every player under contract attended Tuesday's practice. That includes receiver Kayshon Boutte, who also missed voluntary OTAs amid speculation about his future with the franchise. Second-round pick Gabe Jacas is not practicing since he has not signed his rookie contract.
Gonzalez and Boutte were limited in practice as they gradually ramp up their activity after missing OTAs. The star cornerback took part in individual drills but not team sessions, per Schooley.
