Mike Vrabel Explains How Devon Witherspoon Extension Impacts Christian Gonzalez Negotiations originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here. As they prepared to face off in September, the Patriots and Seahawks found themselves on similar paths this summer with standout cornerbacks working toward long-term extensions. Seattle's business is done. The Seahawks rewarded Devon Witherspoon with a four-year, $132 million extension on Saturday, making him the NFL's highest-paid cornerback at $33 million per year. The deal seemingly raises the bar for New England's Christian Gonzalez, who is seeking a mega deal of his own as he heads into his fourth season. On Monday, coach Mike Vrabel addressed whether the Witherspoon contracts impacts Gonzalez's negotiations with the Patriots. Here's what he had to say. What Did Mike Vrabel Say? Vrabel told Patriots Wire's Sophie Weller on Monday that he views Gonzalez's contract situations as "unique" to Witherspoon's. "Everything is pretty unique to itself, whether that's negotiations, or players, or a play that we're running," Vrabel said, pouring cold water on the idea that Gonzalez's negotiations could be affected by the deal. "We'll try to focus on Christian's [negotiations], and I know he'll focus on his own situation," Vrabel said. "So we'll continue to work through that, and he'll continue to try to improve and get back out on the field."
Mike Vrabel arrives, and with @kguregian running behind, he turns to @sophieewellerr for the first question — does Devon Witherspoon’s contract affect negotiations with Christian Gonzalez? pic.twitter.com/zMrJyZf4RJ — Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) August 17, 2026 Gonzalez has undoubtedly taken notice of Witherspoon's extension, as the two share an agent. Gonzalez is reportedly aiming to be the NFL's highest-paid cornerback, something owner Robert Kraft has said the Patriots are comfortable doing, but NBC Sports Boston's Tom Curran reported Thursday that the former first-round pick is looking to sign a deal that ensures he remains the highest-paid player at the position when the salary cap rises in 2024. Gonzalez remained out of practice on Monday due to what the Patriots are calling a physical issue. Christian Gonzalez Contract Projection Two details must be taken into account when projecting Gonzalez's next contract: he wants to be the NFL's highest-paid cornerback, and, according to Curran's report, he wants to be treated as though he is at the negotiating table in 2027 to ensure his mark isn't surpassed when the salary cap rises next year. With Witherspoon making $33 million annually on his new deal, one would have to think $35 million per year is the baseline for Gonzalez. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported $35 million annually is likely an accurate range for Gonzalez's next deal, though he notes there is "not as much optimism" in his negotiations as there was in Witherspoon's. A $35 million-per-year deal over four years would take Gonzalez to $140 million in total value. More Patriots
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