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FOXBOROUGH - Robert Kraft says he loves Christian Gonzalez and what he brings to the New England Patriots.
According to the Patriots owner, who was speaking at the annual Pawtriots event, the team has already offered Gonzalez the largest contract in team history.
It would also make him the NFL’s highest paid cornerback.
“We love Christian Gonzalez. We love him as a player, as a person. That’s why we’ve made an offer to him that makes him the highest paid player to ever play that position in the NFL,” Kraft said, adding: “And coincidentally, it’s the highest contract in Patriots franchise history.
“We’re glad we drafted him. He’s developed here. We hope he’s here for a long time.”
The LA Rams Trent McDuffie is currently the highest paid corner in the league. He signed a contract that pays him $31 million per season. The total value of the contract is $124 million over four years.
According to Kraft, the Patriots offer to Gonzalez tops that.
Saturday marked the first day with Patriots players practicing on the field.
Gonzalez reported, and according to Patriots coach Mike Vrabel, would be an active participant.
“He is here, and I would expect him to participate. So, those contract negotiations are ongoing between the club and his agents,” Vrabel said Friday. “I’m excited about having Christian back here with us and the impact that he can make on our football team, and I really enjoy the person, enjoy the player. That’s what I’m looking forward to.”
Gonzalez was on the field Saturday, and as Vrabel suggested, was a full participant in team drills.
That was another encouraging sign that a deal has either been agreed upon, or was close to coming to fruition.
The players certainly took note of Gonzalez’ participation.
“That’s just who he is. He wants to be here, showing up for us even though he got a situation going on,” defensive tackle Milton Williams said following practice. “He’s letting everyone know he wants to be here ... I feel like the contract will handle itself.”
Gonzalez has established himself as one of the premier corners in the league. Seattle’s Devon Witherspoon, who was in Gonzalez’ draft class, is also looking for a contract extension that would make him the highest paid corner.
Both Gonzalez and Witherspoon are represented by the same agency.
On Friday, Patriots corner Marcus Jones expressed confidence a deal would be struck with Gonzalez and the team.
“The organization knows the value he brings to the team,” Jones said. “Gonzo loves it here. I know that for a fact.
“However they handle that, I think it’s going to be handled.”
Developing ...
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