Hold onto your hats, Seattle, because former NFL head coach Mike Smith just dropped a bombshell about Christian Gonzalez, and it’s got major ripple effects, especially when you look at what our own Devon Witherspoon just inked! Smith fully expects Gonzalez to become the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history, making a massive statement on the market that our guy Devon Witherspoon just set.
“He Will Be the Highest-Paid Cornerback of All Time”
Yeah, you read that right. Mike Smith, who coached the Falcons for seven seasons, isn’t hedging his bets. He believes it’s “just a matter of days before this situation gets resolved” with Gonzalez and the Patriots, and that the outcome is no longer even in question. According to Smith, “The NFL is a player-driven league. It will always be that, and I believe Gonzalez will get his deal.” He even went as far as saying, “Mr. Kraft is not going to let that guy walk.” This isn’t some complex negotiation; Smith calls it an “easy one.” The only thing left to figure out? “By how much he will be the highest paid.” Seriously, this dude thinks it’s a done deal for record money.
Our Guy Witherspoon Set the Bar, But Gonzalez Wants More
Now, here’s where it gets wild for us. Seattle Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon recently helped establish the market for elite corners when he reportedly agreed to a four-year, $132 million extension in August. That deal boasts an average annual value of $33 million, which, let’s be real, is an insane amount of cash! It gave Gonzalez and the Patriots a very obvious number to work around. But get this: New England is reportedly willing to *exceed* Witherspoon’s total value! The sticking point isn’t if they’ll pay him a lot, it’s about the guaranteed money. Gonzalez, a No. 17 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, has developed into one of the league’s best young defensive players, with an ability to shadow top receivers that makes him a foundational piece. That combo of age, production, and positional value means the question isn’t *if* they should keep him, but how much history they’re ready to make.
The Patriots still have contractual control, so they’re not risking an immediate loss. But waiting could cost them even more. The price for elite talent rarely drops, and another big cornerback deal could totally reset the market again. Rewarding Gonzalez now also sends a clear message: the Patriots are ready to retain their top-tier players in their prime, building around a young core. Smith’s “matter of days” timeline might be a bit ambitious, but his bigger point is undeniable: Gonzalez has played his way into a record-setting conversation, and now it’s up to the Patriots to decide just how much history they’re prepared to write.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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