Patriots reportedly agree to historic deal with CB Christian Gonzalez

The New England Patriots have reportedly sealed a historic four-year, $102 million deal with cornerback Christian Gonzalez, making him the highest-paid player in that position in NFL history, according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz. The speculation surrounding Gonzalez's future appears to have finally concluded. The Patriots have committed to investing in one of the NFL's premier cover cornerbacks for the years ahead.

Gonzalez, who was Bill Belichick's final first-round draft pick, is establishing himself as a cornerstone of New England's defensive backfield. The extension follows Seattle Seahawks' blockbuster contract with cornerback Devon Witherspoon in August. Reports suggest Gonzalez may have been awaiting Witherspoon's deal to gauge his own negotiation power with the Patriots.

Despite the delay, both Gonzalez and Witherspoon, who share the same agent, have now made their mark in NFL history within a month of each other. The Patriots' decision to sign Gonzalez is a substantial investment, given his young age of 24 and his already established standing as a top-three cornerback in the league. This new agreement guarantees Gonzalez's participation in the team's prime years, having been the franchise that drafted him.