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WORCESTER, Mass — Christian Gonzalez has been absent from the New England Patriots OTAs, with many thinking it could have to do with the star cornerback awaiting a new contract extension. However, Gonzalez still showed up at Polar Park to support Drake and Ann Michael Maye for their inaugural MayeDay Foundation Softball Game.
And with that, captain and fellow cornerback Marcus Jones was asked about the All-Pro defender ahead of the game, taking some time to speak about what Gonzalez means to the team.
“He means a lot. When it comes down to it, we support him and also the organization,” Jones said. “At the end of the day, that’s their thing. We’re ready when it comes down to him. I know he’s always one of those guys where no matter where he’s at, he’s always working. It’s a day-by-day thing. I’ve been in the situation of learning about how contract negotiations stuff goes about. At the end of the day, they want what’s best for them, and he wants what’s best for him.
“We’re not rushing it when it comes down to it. At the end of the day, we all know the value that he comes (with) when it comes down to our team.”
But his attendance at Maye's event, where he even served as captain for one of the teams, shows how close the Patriots team truly is.
“We do a lot of stuff when it comes to off the field,” Jones added. “Our connection, our relationship means a lot. Being able to have someone who’s a great football player, but a better person, it means a whole bunch.”
Gonzalez was selected in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft and has been a standout since he entered the league, despite dealing with some injuries, including one that knocked him out for the majority of his rookie season. In 2024, Gonzalez was named second-team All-Pro and followed that up by making the Pro Bowl in 2025. His rookie deal will expire at the end of this season, with the team also having the option to exercise his fifth-year option for 2027.
But the front office has made it clear that they want to keep Gonzalez around long-term, so now it seems to be a matter of when.
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This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: Patriots captain praises CB Christian Gonzalez amid OTAs absence
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And with that, captain and fellow cornerback Marcus Jones was asked about the All-Pro defender ahead of the game, taking some time to speak about what Gonzalez means to the team.
“He means a lot. When it comes down to it, we support him and also the organization,” Jones said. “At the end of the day, that’s their thing. We’re ready when it comes down to him. I know he’s always one of those guys where no matter where he’s at, he’s always working. It’s a day-by-day thing. I’ve been in the situation of learning about how contract negotiations stuff goes about. At the end of the day, they want what’s best for them, and he wants what’s best for him.
“We’re not rushing it when it comes down to it. At the end of the day, we all know the value that he comes (with) when it comes down to our team.”
But his attendance at Maye's event, where he even served as captain for one of the teams, shows how close the Patriots team truly is.
“We do a lot of stuff when it comes to off the field,” Jones added. “Our connection, our relationship means a lot. Being able to have someone who’s a great football player, but a better person, it means a whole bunch.”
Gonzalez was selected in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft and has been a standout since he entered the league, despite dealing with some injuries, including one that knocked him out for the majority of his rookie season. In 2024, Gonzalez was named second-team All-Pro and followed that up by making the Pro Bowl in 2025. His rookie deal will expire at the end of this season, with the team also having the option to exercise his fifth-year option for 2027.
But the front office has made it clear that they want to keep Gonzalez around long-term, so now it seems to be a matter of when.
Follow Patriots Wire on Twitter and Facebook.
This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: Patriots captain praises CB Christian Gonzalez amid OTAs absence
Continue reading...
