Patriots CB Christian Gonzalez Reports to Mandatory Minicamp After Skipping Voluntary Workouts

New England Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez reported for mandatory minicamp this week after skipping most of the voluntary offseason program. Gonzalez, the 17th overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft, is eligible for a contract extension for the first time. "I hope we get something done," Gonzalez said Tuesday.

"I've said this multiple times -- I've been drafted here; I want to be rewarded as a Patriot. " Negotiations between the Patriots and Gonzalez's agent, Reggie Johnson, have yet to produce a deal. Johnson also represents Seattle Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon, who is eligible for a contract extension for the first time.

Both contracts are expected to rank among the richest for the position. Trent McDuffie of the Los Angeles Rams recently signed the top deal for a cornerback at an average of $31 million per season. Gonzalez was a limited participant in Tuesday's practice.

259 million. He deflected questions about whether he would play this season under the existing deal. "We have a long time to the season. We're still pretty early in the offseason," he said.

Gonzalez referred to the NFL as a "grown-man profession" and said he had previously been in contact with coaches about his decision to stay away from voluntary workouts, which he had attended in each of the prior three years. Gonzalez played one of the best games of his three-year NFL career in the Patriots' 29-13 loss to the Seahawks in Super Bowl LX.

He was credited with three passes defended and four tackles in that game.

Patrick Surtain II and Denzel Ward. Fourth-year receiver Kayshon Boutte also reported for mandatory minicamp after staying away from voluntary workouts. Boutte had 33 catches for 551 yards and six touchdowns last season.

67 million in the final year of his deal.