Christian Gonzalez used the word "frustrating." He was talking about his contract situation with the Patriots. No new contract is in place as the regular season approaches.
The sides have been discussing an extension. Gonzalez expressed disappointment that no agreement has been reached. He said the frustration won't affect his focus or preparation.
That's the standard response. Whether it holds is the actual story. Cornerback is a position where confidence and timing matter. A distracted player carries a real risk of getting beat.
The Patriots have the ability to end this now. They can put a deal on the table that reflects Gonzalez's value. Or they can let the frustration fester. Each day without a resolution makes the next negotiation harder.
This is a critical issue for New England. The defense is counting on Gonzalez to play a prominent role. If his mind is on his contract instead of the route, that's a problem the team created.
The smart move is to finalize the extension before Week 1. Contract talks rarely get cheaper. A player who feels disrespected doesn't forget.
Verdict: The Patriots should get this done now. Gonzalez's frustration is a red flag, and red flags don't disappear on their own.