Focus centers on a potential AJ Brown trade and a contract extension for cornerback Christian Gonzalez. The Patriots have not picked up Gonzalez’s fifth-year option and have delayed extension discussions. Reports indicate negotiations have not started, creating uncertainty about his availability for the 2026 season. Speculation suggests Gonzalez could hold out during the preseason, which would be a major problem. Gonzalez has attended major offseason events and reportedly trained at the facility, which reduced earlier concerns. However, he was absent from Wednesday OTAs in front of the media. Vrabel listed him among players missing, but the lack of contract talks makes the absence notable. The situation may clarify only if he continues skipping practices.
"The hope was that the team would reach an agreement sooner rather than later, particularly toward the beginning of the offseason to avoid any distractions or strain with Gonzalez, but instead they held off on picking up his fifth-year option and have done the same with extension talks."
"The last update on the matter suggested that negotiations hadn't even started, prompting some reporters to discuss the potential impact that could have ahead of the 2026 season. There is some speculation that Gonzalez could hold out during the preseason, which would be a legitimate disaster."
"However, because conversations have reportedly not taken place yet, there's a good chance that could lead to him sitting out future practices, including Wednesday's OTAs in front of the media for the first time. It could be a coincidence, and maybe there's nothing to it."
"Vrabel announced the players who would be absent, and he was among them. But given the seriousness of a looming contract extension that is expected to reset the cornerback market, it would be unsurprising if Gonzalez is making his feelings known now by skipping out."
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