Christian Gonzalez signs four-year contract extension with the Patriots

The New England Patriots agreed to a four-year, $135 million contract extension with cornerback Christian Gonzalez on Tuesday. The deal includes $102 million in guaranteed money and establishes a new league record for the highest-paid cornerback at an average of $33.75 million per year. Gonzalez, a Pro Bowl selection, surpasses the $33 million annual average recently signed by Seattle Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon. The development increases pressure on the Pittsburgh Steelers and Joey Porter Jr. as they navigate a contract impasse. Pittsburgh maintains a policy of halting negotiations during the regular season, with their opener scheduled for September 13. Porter, who enters the final year of his rookie contract, is represented by the same agency that managed the record-setting deals for Gonzalez and Witherspoon.

• 5:31 AMYahoo Sports — Christian Gonzalez resets CB market as Joey Porter Jr. looks for extension