Christian Gonzalez is held in very high regard by AJ Brown. Despite the recent trash-talking at the Patriots camp, the two players have nothing but respect for one another.
Right after Brown signed with the Patriots in the offseason, fans eagerly waited to see him face off against Gonzalez week in and week out at practice. They haven’t disappointed.
Things got a little heated between the two this week, but it only showcased the competitive nature of both players.
Every day is a battle with him. It’s nothing but respect. Ultimately, it’s not about me and him. We’re competing; all of us are challenging each other, for the greater good of the team.
AJ Brown told Patriots beat writer Mike Reiss
Even though the Patriots signed Romeo Doubs, Brown is the clear number one receiver on the team. Naturally, he gets guarded by the team’s best corner, Gonzo. Brown teased that the 24-year-old has with him.
He’s going a little bit more [with me]. With everybody else, he’s real calm and relaxed and it’s more fluid, but it’s cool.
Gonzalez returned the favor to the Super Bowl-winning wideout by acknowledging Brown’s elite set of skills.
[AJ Brown’s] a No. 1 receiver in this league going up against a No. 1 corner; that’s how it’s going to go… It’s football at the end of the day. There’s never any disrespect [between us], we’re just battling and getting each other better. It’s great work for the both of us.
Gonzalez said
Brown spent four seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, where he won a ring in 2024. Despite the success, Brown felt the Eagles’ and wanted out. His preferred destination was the Patriots because he grew up watching the AFC East franchise and wanted to , who drafted him in Tennessee.
The Patriots gave up a 2027 fifth-round pick and a to bring AJ Brown to Boston.
Gonzalez was the star of the Patriots’ defense during their impressive run to the Super Bowl. Even though , Gonzalez allowed only 3 receptions for 36 yards, breaking up 3 passes in four quarters against the Seattle Seahawks. He finished the year with 69 tackles (54 solo), 10 pass deflections, and only allowing two touchdowns in 14 games.
With two years remaining on his rookie contract, the Patriots activated Gonzalez’s fifth-year option in April 2026. However, more than three months have passed, but the former Colorado and Oregon star remains without a new contract.
Per Reiss and the New England media, the negotiations have reached a standstill. The Patriots are reportedly waiting for the Seahawks to pay Devon Witherspoon to get a clear idea of how much they need to pay Gonzalez, which could reset the cornerback market.
My understanding is the agent was looking for market reset-ers on every level for these guys. There’s going to have to be some level of compromise.
Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated wrote in his latest report
As it stands, Gonzalez is set to make $4.8 million for the 2026 season. If he doesn’t sign the extension within the next 18 months, then he will earn $18.1 million in 2027.