Mike Vrabel on Christian Gonzalez's frustration: Players always free to feel how they feel

Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez expressed frustration at the pace of contract talks earlier this week, and the sides don’t appear close on an extension.

After the Patriots’ 37-13 loss to the Browns in the preseason finale, coach Mike Vrabel was asked about Gonzalez’s frustration with negotiations.

“I have conversations with Christian, and I understand that this is probably something that’s difficult,” Vrabel said, via Sophie Weller of Patriots Wire. “I’ve never been in that position to this extent. Try to treat it with class, but he and I communicate, and our players are always free to feel how they feel. They just have to stay patient and just hope that we can work to some kind of agreement.”

The Seahawks recently signed cornerback Devon Witherspoon to a four-year, $132 million deal, which should provide a template for the Patriots. Gonzalez and Witherspoon have the same agent, Reggie Johnson.

Gonzalez is under contract for the next two seasons and is scheduled to make a base salary of $2.259 million this season.

The 17th overall pick in 2023, he made second-team All-Pro in 2024 and the Pro Bowl in 2025. He has totaled 145 tackles, two interceptions, 24 pass breakups and a sack in three seasons.