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Patriots' Gonzalez: Contract dilemma or trade gold?
24 Mar
Summary
- Gonzalez is eligible for contract extension, with a fifth-year option available.
- He is considered New England's top trade asset by Pro Football Focus.
- A trade could yield a package similar to Sauce Gardner's former deal.
The New England Patriots are at a crossroads this offseason concerning cornerback Christian Gonzalez, who is now eligible for a contract extension. The team has the flexibility to exercise his fifth-year option, potentially keeping him with the Patriots through the 2027 season. This offseason also presents an opportune moment for the Patriots to consider trading Gonzalez, as he is recognized as New England's most valuable trade asset.
Pro Football Focus analyst John Kosko highlighted Gonzalez's potential as a premium asset, citing his size, speed, ball production, and cost-effective rookie contract. A trade could provide New England with significant resources to address other team needs, such as bolstering the offensive line or acquiring playmakers for quarterback Drake Maye. The potential return for Gonzalez could be comparable to the trade package that sent cornerback Sauce Gardner to another team, which included two first-round picks and a wide receiver.
