Instant grades for Christian Gonzalez contract extension with Patriots

On Labor Day, the New England Patriots and Christian Gonzalez birthed a contract extension to make him the highest-paid cornerback in the NFL. According to reports, the months-long process culminated on Monday in an agreement that will pay the 24-year-old $135 million over four years .

We don't know the full structure of the deal yet, but the fact that it got signed in the first place is telling. So, let's put a grade it.

Instant grades: Patriots sign CB Christian Gonzalez to 4-year, $135M extension

Bernd Buchmasser: The signs always pointed toward Gonzalez and the Patriots ultimately reaching an agreement, but the timeline and eventual scope of the deal was where the uncertainty lied. It took a while for those questions to get resolved, but doing so before the start of the season is the best-case scenario even though it meant a massive investment on the team's part. | Grade: A+

Andrew Guindon: This is a regime that's emphasized retaining and rewarding its top talent, and that's what the Patriots ultimately did with Gonzalez. Having a true premier shutdown cornerback on your roster, such as Gonzalez is a luxury in the NFL. Those are the types of players you pay while Drake Maye is still under his rookie contract. He showcased how impactful he can be in the biggest moments during last season's Super Bowl, and now he's under contract through 2031. | Grade: A+

Pat Lane: I don't care how long it took, they locked up their CB1 and sent a message that they are going to reward guys for their play and commitment to the team. I don't love the fact that Robert Kraft spoke about it to the media, because he opened the door on that, but the fact that they signed him, and had it just above Devon Witherspoon is fantastic. | Grade: A+

Matt St. Jean: There were some questions about how Christian Gonzalez might fit with Mike Vrabel's scheme, but those were erased down to stretch as he embraced physicality and then showcased his premier coverage skills in the Super Bowl. Gonzalez is the kind of player who can take any opposing receiver out of the game and erase any chance for big plays in his area of the field. That's highly valuable, and worth the price the Patriots paid. | Grade: A+

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