Christian Gonzalez signs record contract before facing Devon Witherspoon in Seattle

The New England Patriots have signed cornerback Christian Gonzalez to a four-year, $135 million contract extension. This deal makes him the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history, surpassing the four-year, $132 million contract recently signed by Seattle Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon. The two defensive players are scheduled to face each other during a game in Seattle on Wednesday evening. Despite the change in the salary hierarchy, Witherspoon publicly supported the move and praised the talent and defensive contributions of Gonzalez. Both organizations have now secured their star cornerbacks for the long term. It remains to be seen if the lengthy contract negotiations impacted the preparation of Gonzalez for the upcoming contest.

• 7:20 AMYahoo Sports — Devon Witherspoon responds to Christian Gonzalez trumping his historic deal