Eliot Wolf: Patriots 'want Christian Gonzalez to be here' as extension talks continue
New England's top personnel executive reiterated the franchise wants its young cornerback locked up long term, though a deal is not yet imminent.
The Patriots are making no secret of their desire to keep cornerback Christian Gonzalez in New England for the long haul. Personnel chief Eliot Wolf said the team has been on record repeatedly about wanting the young defensive back to stay, and that negotiations with his camp are ongoing.
Evan Lazar (@ezlazar): #Patriots EVP of Player Personnel Eliot Wolf on CB Christian Gonzalez: "Christian's a tremendous player that we've been on record multiple times saying we want him to be here, and that hasn't changed. We're going to continue working with his representation to try to get something done."
Wolf's comments, delivered during a halftime segment on the team's broadcast, frame Gonzalez as a pillar of the Patriots' rebuild on defense. The former first-round pick has developed into one of the league's more promising cover corners, and with his rookie contract window closing, locking him up has been a stated priority for the front office. Multiple reports indicate the two sides are talking but not yet close to a finalized number. For now, New England is content to let the process play out while making clear its intentions.