Christian Gonzalez: Everything you need to know

The Patriots have exercised Gonzalez's fifth-year contract option, Mark Daniels of masslive.com reports. As a result of the expected move, Gonzalez -- who was a Pro Bowler last season -- is in line to earn $18.1 million in 2027. Beyond that, it's still plausible that the 2023 third-rounder could land a lucrative extension from the Patriots down the road. Gonzalez is coming of a 2025 regular season in which he recorded a career-high 69 tackles and 10 defensed passes in 14 games, while working as a starting cornerback opposite Carlton Davis.

Gonzalez played in 14 regular-season contests (all starts) in 2025, recording 69 tackles and 10 defensed passes. Gonzalez missed the first three games of the campaign due to a hamstring injury but was healthy enough to play the remainder of the season. He was a standout in pass coverage, earning his first career Pro Bowl nod. Gonzalez also shined in the postseason, notching 19 tackles (including 1.0 sacks) and seven defensed passes (including an interception) along with a forced fumble across four contests. He'll be in the final year of his rookie contract in 2026, but given his standout play the past two years, it wouldn't be surprising if New England looks to ink him to an extension.

Gonzalez (concussion) doesn't carry an injury designation into Sunday's divisional-round game against the Texans. Coach Mike Vrabel called Gonzalez questionable to face Houston earlier in the day Friday, but that appeared to be a mishap on Vrabel's part, as Gonzalez cleared protocol and is ready to go for a date with Jayden Higgins after Nico Collins (concussion) was ruled out for Sunday.