Patriots' Christian Gonzalez is taking a stand

Jan 25, 2026; Denver, CO, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez (0) reacts after an interception against the Denver Broncos during the second half in the 2026 AFC Championship Game at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Christian Gonzalez hasn't been showing up this offseason.

The New England Patriots' star cornerback is trying to make a point.

"Gonzalez, who is eligible for an extension for the first time, hasn't been attending voluntary practices in recent weeks," ESPN's Mike Reiss wrote as part of a new article on Monday.

It's a common move by players in Gonzalez's position. Even if he doesn't plan on staging a major holdout, staying away from early workouts at least sends the message that he's aware that a negotiation, and a big contract, could be ongoing or coming up.

Gonzalez has been the player the Patriots hoped they were getting when they drafted him, and now it'll be about reaching a compromise between the two sides on Gonzalez's proper value.

It's also the kind of thing that could become a talking point if Gonzalez continues to stay away, but Pats head coach Mike Vrabel doesn't necessarily think that's going to happen.

"The contract is the business and the professional side of this. The personal side, I don't want to let anything interfere with that," coach Mike Vrabel said last week, via ESPN. "I would imagine that he would be here next week... Like any contract negotiation, you want to make sure that everybody feels they get something out of it."

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The Patriots just went to the Super Bowl before falling to the Seattle Seahawks. That's going to set up high expectations for this season.

It's also going to increase the spotlight on every decision, even from a cornerback. Gonzalez is good enough that his presence, or his absence, is news.

The Pats may want to figure this deal out sooner rather than later to have things all taken care of, rather than something hovering over them.

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