The NFL is getting ready to release its full schedule for the 2026 season. It appears that New England Patriots defensive back Christian Gonzalez is looking forward to that, too, as he shared a cryptic Instagram post ahead of its release.
In a post that Gonzalez listed on his story, he shared a black-and-white photo of himself following the Super Bowl loss to the Seattle Seahawks. It was simply captioned with an hourglass emoji. You can see a screenshot of the post below.
The Patriots and the Seahawks are set to play a Super Bowl rematch next season. On Wednesday, a leak shared that New England can expect that rematch right away. In Week 1, the Patriots will be on site to watch the Seahawks unveil their Super Bowl banner and kickoff the 2026 season.
With what context Gonzalez did give, it’s safe to say he’s got his mind on that rematch. Now, it’s just a matter of turning that focus into a better result this time around.
Christian Gonzalez Played Well in the New England Patriots’ Super Bowl Loss
GettyNew England Patriots DB Christian Gonzalez
There were a few reasons why the New England Patriots lost the Super Bowl. Poor offensive line play and turnovers were key among them. Christian Gonzalez was not a reason why they fell short.
Gonzalez was excellent at the cornerback position, making four tackles and a highlight reel breakup that saved a potential touchdown. His individual effort simply wasn’t enough.
Even with that, Gonzalez wore some of the blame after the game. In particular, for a dropped interception in the first half that could have changed the tide of the game.
“I should have came down with that. I should have pulled that in,” Gonzalez said. “That hurts for me because I feel like that’s three points on me, three points I could have stopped for the team as a whole.”
That one play was not what cost the Patriots the Super Bowl. It clearly stuck with Gonzalez, though, and now he looks ready for the opportunity to right his wrong in the season opener.
Christian Gonzalez is Projected to Earn a Massive Contract Extension
GettyNew England Patriots DB Christian Gonzalez
One of the biggest upcoming contracts for the Patriots to figure out is going to be for Gonzalez. The former first-round pick has turned into one of the best defensive backs in the entire NFL, and the Patriots would love to sign him to a long-term extension. It’s just going to cost a pretty penny.
Recently, NFL insider Albert Breer shared some of his own thoughts on where those negotiations are heading. That included sharing that he believes a fair deal for Gonzalez would be four-years, $140 million.
“Put a four-year, $140 million extension in front of Christian Gonzalez, with $75 million fully guaranteed at signing,” Breer wrote. “Gonzalez grew plenty over his first year under Vrabel, and was indisputably the best player on the Patriots’ roster in the Super Bowl. New England’s also in a fortunate spot, with the market at cornerback lagging behind the market at other premium positions. So take advantage of it, and spread the $161 million total (folding in the two existing years on Gonzalez’s contract) over six years. That’s less than $27 million per year in real money, which is a relative steal.”
Trent McDuffie of the Los Angeles Rams set the cornerback market this offseason. His deal is for four-years and $124 million. So, if Breer is right, then Gonzalez will completely reset the market.
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