Overview
- Gonzalez did not participate in the Patriots’ joint practice with the Colts on Tuesday after a hard landing at Monday’s session that multiple reporters described as a minor injury.
- Patriots owner Robert Kraft has confirmed the team put a record offer on the table that would make Gonzalez the highest‑paid cornerback, but the club and player have not reached an agreement.
- Insiders including Adam Schefter say talks show limited traction now and that a new extension could slip into 2027 rather than being completed this month.
- Gonzalez’s absence forced backups into significant reps during the Colts practice and exposed thinness in New England’s secondary when he and fellow starter Carlton Davis were not available.
- Contract timing is being shaped by the recent cornerback market reset from deals for players like Trent McDuffie and Denzel Ward and by the fact Gonzalez is under team control through 2027, making guaranteed money and contract structure the central bargaining points.