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Christian Gonzalez finds himself without the gaudy contract extension he was rumored to be nearing during the offseason. Patriots supporters are rightfully wondering why that is the case. The New England cornerback looked primed to break the record for largest CB contract in league history following Devon Witherspoon's four-year, $132 million pact with the Seahawks. Many believed it was a foregone conclusion that Gonzalez — an All-Pro caliber talent — would a new contract by the end of training camp or preseason. On the eve of the regular season, that glitzy deal has yet to materialize. One insider offered a potential reason for the delay while speaking with one of football's most prominent journalists. Here's what you need to know. MORE: Christian Gonzalez’s Trainer Provides Contract Update Ahead Of Patriots’ Week 1 Game Why Patriots, Christian Gonzalez are Feuding Over Contract Negotiations Gonzalez is on track to reset the cornerback market when he agrees to a contract extension with the Patriots. The one-time Pro Bowler should command upwards of $33 million when he puts pen to paper on a new deal, surpassing the previous high-water mark among defensive backs, set by Seahawks star Devon Witherspoon. The timing of that extension is unknown at present, however. Speaking with insider Ari Meirov, the Boston Herald's Doug Kyed expressed surprise over the length of time its taken for Gonzalez and New England to reach an agreement. "I thought 'Alright, once Witherspoon's deal is done, it's pretty obvious what you need to give Christian Gonzalez and the next step is just to give him that,'" Kyed said. "Now it's been weeks since Devon Witherspoon got his contract." The #Patriots negotiations with Christian Gonzalez have been weird, with the team at times negotiating through the media by saying they’ve made big offers — which means little without the structure. — Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) September 2, 2026 This should be straightforward. It’s been anything but. More from @DougKyed: https://t.co/LpCLtqQLjw pic.twitter.com/qJXAN9Fera Gonzalez has been open about his desire to keep his negotiations with the Patriots' front office out of the spotlight. New England's brass has sought out a different approach, according to Kyed. On the first day of training camp, Patriots owner Robert Kraft told reporters that New England has plans on making Gonzalez not only the highest-paid cornerback in league history, but also the highest-paid Patriot. New England vice president Eliot Wolf confirmed New England still intended to pursue that sort of deal with Gonzalez last week. Kyed's report suggests that the public nature of the Patriots' courting of Gonzalez has left him feeling somewhat frustrated. "Gonzalez is playing this almost like more, certainly close to the vest, I might even say more maturely than the Patriots organization has handled it so far this year," Kyed said. "You can see the frustration in Christian Gonzalez. He's saying, 'I don't want to handle this through the media.' But now the Patriots have now said things twice." Will the Patriots Re-Sign Christian Gonzalez? Despite all the noise from the New England camp, it seems very likely that the two parties will reach an amicable agreement on a new deal. Gonzalez is in line to command more money than any man who has played his position. And while the Patriots' negotiating tactics appear to have left Gonzalez feeling a tad discontent, his trainer revealed during an appearance on 98.5 The Sports Hub’s “Felger & Mazz" that the two sides are moving closer together on new terms for Gonzalez's contract extension. “I think we’re getting close,” said Christian "Coach Flight" White, according to NBC Sports Boston. White explained that, although Kraft boasted about the size of the paycheck New England was prepared to shell out to bring back Gonzalez, the actual terms of the deal presented to the 24-year-old — down to the guaranteed money, payment structure, and incentives — was "kind of trash." Still, things appear headed in the right direction. “I don’t know if it’s gonna be the same guaranteed money-wise [as Witherspoon], but I just know the offers have been getting better,” White said. “It sounds like there’s a little bit more movement.”