ESPN’s Mike Reiss reports that Patriots CB Christian Gonzalez “hasn’t been part of the team’s voluntary work of late.”

31 May 2026

The Patriots hosted two organized team activities (OTAs) sessions last week, one of which was open to reporters. Gonzalez was not present. Reiss notes that Gonzalez “had participated in the team’s voluntary offseason program each of the prior three seasons.” His absence “coincides with this offseason marking the first time Gonzalez is eligible for a contract extension.” The Patriots exercised Gonzalez’s fifth-year option late in April, keeping him under contract through 2027. When dealing with established starters, teams frequently sign players to long-term extensions after picking up the fifth-year option. Perhaps the two sides are working on an extension at the moment.