The Official Gonzo Extension Watch Thread

[Thelonious]

You didn’t answer the question

Darned if I am going to study the thread to discover what question you have in mind. Ask any question you like and I'll answer it. I am rarely, perhaps too rarely shy6 about saying what i think. My view, in brief, is that we should offer him a reasonable pay package - somewhere around $32M sounds right to me - and trade him if he insists on more. In any negotiation, there must be a reasonable point beyond which one will not go. For the team's management to go into this or any other negotiation with the sort of overt handwringing desperation many fanboys here demonstrate would be foolish, and the compensation for trading him would be VERY useful. As for the character concerns, this player does show on occasion the sort of passive aggressive narcissism which can develop into a problem over time. While this is by no means a "stopper," it is entirely reasonable and responsible to take it into consideration, in my view. Perhaps that answers "the question," whatever it was.

 

[neuronet]

Darned if I am going to study the thread to discover what question you have in mind. Ask any question you like and I'll answer it. I am rarely, perhaps too rarely shy6 about saying what i think. My view, in brief, is that we should offer him a reasonable pay package - somewhere around $32M sounds right to me - and trade him if he insists on more. In any negotiation, there must be a reasonable point beyond which one will not go. For the team's management to go into this or any other negotiation with the sort of overt handwringing desperation many fanboys here demonstrate would be foolish, and the compensation for trading him would be VERY useful. As for the character concerns, this player does show on occasion the sort of passive aggressive narcissism which can develop into a problem over time. While this is by no means a "stopper," it is entirely reasonable and responsible to take it into consideration, in my view. Perhaps that answers "the question," whatever it was.

You said he seemed like a passive-aggressive *******, and someone asked what your evidence was.

 

[Thelonious]

Maybe he's just a quiet, introverted guy. Somewhat like Stephon Gilmore.

Maybe, maybe not, but I find it hard to imagine Gilmore pulling that jackass stunt at the Celtics game, don't you? It is baffling to me that so many fans are so wierdly binary in their attitude toward players: either they are bums or they are worthy of unreflective adulation. ALL players have flaws. If this player's flaw is that he is such a narcissist that he is compelled to demand unreasonable compensation, trade him. He is not a sacred object. If his demands rise to a certain level of exorbitance, he is worth more to the team as a trade asset than he is as a player on the field. This is true of ANY player, if one wishes to approach these matters rationally. Simple as that.

 

[Thelonious]

You said he seemed like a passive-aggressive *******, and someone asked what your evidence was.

If his salary demands are exorbitant, beyond a certain level (for me, $32M), that suggests to me a degree of narcissism which makes brings the ******* designation into play. Perhaps that answers the question. As for a specific example, aside from the general too-cool-for-school ********, I think his stunt at the Celtics game was an ******* move. It was not a disqualifying moment, but neither is it a moment to be ignored in evaluating his character.

 

[Wozzy]

His contract was always going to happen last. They have to get everyone else in the door before they find a creative way to mold his contract to fit their cap situation.

Don’t hold your breath on this deal, it will get done eventually.

 

[Water Boy]

Again the concern is that Gonzo and his agent are trying to redefine the CB payscale.

WRs making $40 Mil
DE Will Anderson making $50 Mil

 

[mgteich]

Again the concern is that Gonzo and his agent are trying to redefine the CB payscale.

WRs making $40 Mil
DE Will Anderson making $50 Mil

IMO, that isn't happening here. If that is what he wants, he needs to negotiate a bonus for 2026.

 

[Zuma]

I’m fine with dragging this out for many years to the bitter end if his demands are unreasonable. 3-4 more years sounds good to me.

 

[mgteich]

I’m fine with dragging this out for many years to the bitter end if his demands are unreasonable. 3-4 more years sounds good to me.

OK, so he plays a few games for us this year and doesn't participate in camp?

 

[Zuma]

OK, so he plays a few games for us this year and doesn't participate in camp?

If you say so

 

[TommyD4207]

IMO, that isn't happening here. If that is what he wants, he needs to negotiate a bonus for 2026.

The part where he holds out is an invention in your head.
He's shown zero indication that he was going to hold out. Zero.

 

[Uptown]

 

[mayoclinic]

Devon Witherspoon Nears Deal: What it Means for Patriots, Christian Gonzalez?

With the Seahawks and Devon Witherspoon nearing a new deal, it looks promising that the New England Patriots and Christian Gonzalez are next.

heavy.com

 

[mgteich]

If you say so

My point is that the team does NOT have the option of sitting back and having Gonzo play at top levels until the team decides. Gonzo ia not forced to play this traning camp and season at 100% with full participation for $3M. The team cannot make that decision.

 

[Thelonious]

The confusion and animus on this matter is entirely unnecessary if the matter is viewed with reasonable dispassion. If he asks too much. and particularly if that ask is accompanied by a determination to pressure the team by withholding his services or with other forms of passive-aggressive, too-cool-for-school ********, you trade him. The return would unquestionably be very generous and useful. So pick a number and stick to it. As matters evolve, so should your evaluation of his character and likely manner going forward. Have the courage then to act in accordance with that evaluation. Gonzo is an asset, an employee, not a sacred object or a magical talisman. Evaluate him accordingly, then act in accordance with that evaluation. No handwringing or apocalyptic Jeremiads are required. Put away the pom poms, don that green eye shade, and sharpen your pencil.

 

[Ring 6]

My point is that the team does NOT have the option of sitting back and having Gonzo play at top levels until the team decides. Gonzo ia not forced to play this traning camp and season at 100% with full participation for $3M. The team cannot make that decision.

What? You think he is going to tank his play? What would that accomplish? Pay me more or I’ll play poorly so I can prove you should pay me more? You seem like a guy who would fold a straight because someone could have a full house

 

[n1997y]

The confusion and animus on this matter is entirely unnecessary if the matter is viewed with reasonable dispassion. If he asks too much. and particularly if that ask is accompanied by a determination to pressure the team by withholding his services or with other forms of passive-aggressive, too-cool-for-school ********, you trade him. The return would unquestionably be very generous and useful. So pick a number and stick to it. As matters evolve, so should your evaluation of his character and likely manner going forward. Have the courage then to act in accordance with that evaluation. Gonzo is an asset, an employee, not a sacred object or a magical talisman. Evaluate him accordingly, then act in accordance with that evaluation. No handwringing or apocalyptic Jeremiads are required. Put away the pom poms, don that green eye shade, and sharpen your pencil.

Just so nobody is confused, dispassion would be refraining from the animus of projecting pejorative subjective perceptions onto behavior that does not merit the appellation of being passive-aggressive, or too-cool-for-school. Such prejudice is just ********.

See, I can use polysyllabic pseudo-intellectual constructions too!

What prizes do we get for doing that?

 

[Uptown]

 

[Give Kraft A Hand]

If that’s true it’s either close to done or they’re haggling over guaranteed money

 

[n1997y]

If that’s true it’s either close to done or they’re haggling over guaranteed money

Or just stalling until Witherspoon gets his deal done. His agent wont want Gonzo’s deal announced first if he knows Seattle won’t pay that much. It would be embarrassing to do it that way.