Christian Gonzalez wants a long-term contract extension from the New England Patriots before the start of next season.In the meantime, he’s happy being back on the field alongside his teammates.After skipping the team’s voluntary offseason workouts last month, Gonzalez was present Tuesday for the start of New England’s three-day mandatory minicamp. He didn’t do much, going through some light skill work and mostly observing during 11-on-11 drills. But his presence spoke the loudest.The Patriots picked up their star cornerback’s fifth-year option in April, meaning he’ll make just over $18 million in the final year of his rookie deal in 2027. But he wants security beyond that. “I hope. That’s between my agents and the team,” Gonzalez said. “I hope we get something done.”As to if he believes progress is being made on working out a deal before training camp opens on July 25, he said conversations were ongoing.
“Training camp I’m not worried about. We’re in mandatory minicamp right now, so that’s what we’re focused on,” Gonzalez said.Patriots coach Mike Vrabel said Gonzalez was limited in his on-field work Tuesday as the staff accessed the fitness of the players that didn’t participate in the voluntary portion of offseason workouts last month. Gonzalez is easily the team’s most important player in the secondary, earning his first Pro Bowl selection last season after posting 69 tackles, 10 pass breakups and one tackle for a loss in 2025.
