Where do the New England Patriots and Christian Gonzalez go from here?
With all the on-field business being handled with the Indianapolis Colts on Tuesday, the off-field matter – that is, Christian Gonzalez not participating – took center stage for the Patriots.
Gonzalez tweaked his ankle late in Monday’s team session, but head coach Mike Vrabel made no mention of his status before the two teams took the field on Tuesday.
Social media speculation on Tuesday
Reports about a minor injury surfaced, keeping him out of action, and later in the day via Instagram story, Gonzalez posted the song lyrics "should have been done by now, but you didn't know how to handle the feeling."
Eric Canha-Imagn Images
If this injury persists for Gonzalez, it could cost him key prep time for the season.
What path will he choose?
The cornerback, in his fourth pro season, does have options. A continued camp “hold-in” could be his path of least resistance should he not be satisfied with the progress in his contract extension talks with the team.
Gonzalez is in the fourth year of his four-year, $15.1 million rookie contract, in which he will make $2.26 million this season.
The team has already exercised the fifth-year option for next year, over $18 million guaranteed, but Gonzalez is seeking an extension to place him among the top-paid defensive players in the game.
Top 100 nod adds ammunition
On Tuesday, he was also named to the “NFL Top 100” list of players for the second straight year, this time at No. 28. He’ll likely be the No. 2 Patriot on that list with only Drake Maye to be placed higher.
Comparison across the way
An example of how the struggle in these negotiations could totally go awry was on the field on Tuesday, with Indy cornerback Sauce Gardner.
In a similar position with the New York Jets, Gardner took the field regularly, but at times was less than overzealous in his effort.
The team responded by inking Gardner to a four-year, $120 million contract, then later traded him to Indianapolis for two first-round draft picks.
Could the Patriots follow a similar course? Financially, it might be prudent, but the team will certainly suffer on the field where it matters most.
