PATRIOTS NEWS Patriots pick up Gonzo’s 5th year option

[pazrul72]

I've seen reports that they can only have one of these huge deals each year (per Kraft), and getting Brown would kick both Gonzalez and Maye down the road one year each.

It wouldn't surprise me if Kraft did have a rule like that because while the team is valued at Billions that's not liquid cash in hand. Browns deal however doesn't qualify towards that IMO because it's just a normal deal where the 29 mil salary is all that's being paid and it gets broken up into 52 weekly checks so all part of the budget and easily handled in the yearly salary cap already put aside.

It's the massive NEW deals like Maye and Gonzo you are talking about where Kraft needs to put aside whatever the guaranteed number is into an Escrow account so coming up with say 120 million dollars on the spot is just a bit more challenging and not more often then once a year. Luckily there is no way in hell they aren't aware of what they are going to need to do for both of those players and assuming general competency are budgeting and planning accordingly for back to back years of major contracts.

 

[Bill Lee]

This thread kinda feels like two old aunties arguing about what the young niece will get in the divorce.

Relax, maybe there won't be a divorce, maybe he'll take her on an all-around-the-world vacation and they'll patch things up.

 

[Triumph]

The Pats dont need to give Gonzo a new deal until 2027.

Basically, Gonzo does have guarantees beyond 2026 since his 2027 salary is guaranteed. All 18 mil which the Pats will likely role into his extension next off season unless they reach a deal in 2026. That 5th year option was the smartest deal ever. Trent McDuffie just signed with LAR to the tune of 31 mil per because KC didnt install a 5th year. Fortunately for KC they were picking high in the draft and it didnt cost that much to move up and get Delane.

Nobody needs to wait for Witherspoon. Just look at the McDuffie deal @ 31 mil per. He was drafted the year prior to Gonzo and Witherspoon. Who is Witherspoon going to base his deal off of?

Currently Gonzo is the 52nd highest paid CB in the NFL when he plays like the # 1 guy.

Christian Gonzalez Contract Details, Salary Cap Charges, Bonus Money, and Contract History | Over The Cap

Christian Gonzalez contract and salary cap details, including signing bonus, guaranteed salary, dead money, roster bonuses, and contract history

overthecap.com

 

[rkarp1]

It wouldn't surprise me if Kraft did have a rule like that because while the team is valued at Billions that's not liquid cash in hand. Browns deal however doesn't qualify towards that IMO because it's just a normal deal where the 29 mil salary is all that's being paid and it gets broken up into 52 weekly checks so all part of the budget and easily handled in the yearly salary cap already put aside.

It's the massive NEW deals like Maye and Gonzo you are talking about where Kraft needs to put aside whatever the guaranteed number is into an Escrow account so coming up with say 120 million dollars on the spot is just a bit more challenging and not more often then once a year. Luckily there is no way in hell they aren't aware of what they are going to need to do for both of those players and assuming general competency are budgeting and planning accordingly for back to back years of major contracts.

According to 2025 estimates from Forbes, the New England Patriots had an operating income (often used as a proxy for profit in these reports) of approximately $222 million. [1, 2]

Key Financial Details (2025)

• Operating Income: ~$222 million
• Annual Revenue: Approximately $762 million
• Franchise Value: Estimated between $8.76 billion and $9 billion. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

Context
Because the New England Patriots are a privately owned organization, their exact net profit is not publicly disclosed. The figures above are estimates provided by financial analysts and business publications based on reported league revenues, stadium deals, and other public business metrics. [1, 2]
For comparison, Forbes listed the team as the fourth or fifth most valuable franchise in the NFL during the 2025 season. [1, 2, 3]

 

[rkarp1]

The Pats dont need to give Gonzo a new deal until 2027.

Basically, Gonzo does have guarantees beyond 2026 since his 2027 salary is guaranteed. All 18 mil which the Pats will likely role into his extension next off season unless they reach a deal in 2026. That 5th year option was the smartest deal ever. Trent McDuffie just signed with LAR to the tune of 31 mil per because KC didnt install a 5th year. Fortunately for KC they were picking high in the draft and it didnt cost that much to move up and get Delane.

Nobody needs to wait for Witherspoon. Just look at the McDuffie deal @ 31 mil per. He was drafted the year prior to Gonzo and Witherspoon. Who is Witherspoon going to base his deal off of?

Currently Gonzo is the 52nd highest paid CB in the NFL when he plays like the # 1 guy.

Christian Gonzalez Contract Details, Salary Cap Charges, Bonus Money, and Contract History | Over The Cap

Christian Gonzalez contract and salary cap details, including signing bonus, guaranteed salary, dead money, roster bonuses, and contract history

overthecap.com

why would Gonzo accept that?
his salary is now guaranteed for 2026 and 27 for a total of about $21m
he could sign a new deal this morning for those two seasons for $65m. fully guaranteed
he could tear his achilles getting out of bed tonight and never be the same player.
he would be leaving $45m-ish on the table.

 

[Triumph]

why would Gonzo accept that?
his salary is now guaranteed for 2026 and 27 for a total of about $21m
he could sign a new deal this morning for those two seasons for $65m. fully guaranteed
he could tear his achilles getting out of bed tonight and never be the same player.
he would be leaving $45m-ish on the table.

What choice does he have when he is signed for 2 more seasons?

McDuffie played all 4 years of his rookie deal. Are you suggesting that Gonzo not honor his contract?

 

[rkarp1]

What choice does he have when he is signed for 2 more seasons?

McDuffie played all 4 years of his rookie deal. Are you suggesting that Gonzo not honor his contract?

choices:
1) he can honor his contract
2) he can extend his contract and turn the next 2 years money into a portion of a bonus
3) he can sit out for a better contract

 

[Triumph]

choices:
1) he can honor his contract
2) he can extend his contract and turn the next 2 years money into a portion of a bonus
3) he can sit out for a better contract

Like it or not, Gonzo is controlled by the Pats until 2027 expires. NE controls his rights and movement.

He can certainty refuse to play and hold out the same as Deon Branch did. NE can let him sit or trade him. If Gonzo sits 2026 never happened and he still has a 2 year contract.