Patriots face $132M benchmark in Christian Gonzalez contract negotiations

The New England Patriots are entering critical contract discussions with cornerback Christian Gonzalez as they aim to extend his deal. Following the Seattle Seahawks' record-setting four-year, $132 million extension of Devon Witherspoon, the Patriots will need to negotiate a contract surpassing this figure. Gonzalez is expected to request a deal slightly higher than Witherspoon's, potentially exceeding $33 million annually and $101 million guaranteed. The urgency is heightened as the Seahawks' agreement sets a new benchmark for elite cornerbacks, putting pressure on the Patriots to secure Gonzalez's long-term future.

• 3:49 PMYahoo Sports — Why Patriots must clear $132M benchmark in Christian Gonzalez contract talks