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Gonzalez Demands Deal, Patriots Face Defense Without Him

9/7/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Christian Gonzalez remains unsigned on a contract extension before the Week 1 Seattle game.
Gonzalez says he will not play without a new deal.
Owner Robert Kraft says Patriots offered a deal that would make Gonzalez the highest-paid cornerback, exceeding Devon Witherspoon’s $33 million-per-year extension.
Analysts warn the Patriots could struggle defending Jaxon Smith-Njiba and Rashid Shaheed without Gonzalez.

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Story summary

Christian Gonzalez remains unsigned on a contract extension before the Week 1 Seattle game.
Gonzalez says he will not play without a new deal.
Owner Robert Kraft says Patriots offered a deal that would make Gonzalez the highest-paid cornerback, exceeding Devon Witherspoon’s $33 million-per-year extension.
Analysts warn the Patriots could struggle defending Jaxon Smith-Njiba and Rashid Shaheed without Gonzalez.