Cornerback Christian Gonzalez has been selected to his first Pro Bowl this season and it's going to end up costing the New England Patriots more money.
Because he's a first-round pick, Gonzalez is eligible for the fifth-year option in his rookie contract, and it's an option the Patriots are definitely going to pick up this offseason.
However, the fifth-year option for Gonzalez just became more expensive for the Patriots.
According to Over the Cap, Gonzalez now qualifies for the Pro Bowl escalator, which sends the fifth-year option total from a projected $11.7 million to $17.5 million.
Before his Pro Bowl nod, Gonzalez's fifth-year option amount was based on play time. The next escalator after one Pro Bowl selection is more than one Pro Bowl nod, which Gonzalez obviously didn't hit. Doing so would have sent Gonzalez's fifth-year option total to north of $20 million.
The good news for New England is the team is projected to have a whopping $89.5 million in cap space in 2027, when the fifth-year option kicks in, so Gonzalez's raise isn't going to hurt all that much.
Gonzalez's Pro Bowl selection was well-deserved, as he's having another fantastic season and is cementing himself as one of the league's best cornerbacks.
The next thing the Patriots have to focus on with Gonzalez is a contract extension, something he will be eligible for this coming offseason.
At this rate, Gonzalez is likely to reset the market whenever he does get paid.
The current high-water marks at the position belong to Indianapolis Colts corner Sauce Gardner, whose contract has a total value of $120.4 million and an annual average of $30.1 million.
At the very least, Gonzalez is going to approach those numbers, but he could very well surpass them, also.
If the Patriots are smart, they will get something done with Gonzalez as soon as possible, as more cornerback extensions around the NFL will only drive up his price.
NFL News
- Ravens facing $60 million Lamar Jackson decision that could lead to trade
- Seahawks' Jaxon Smith-Njigba gets $24.3 million contract update
- Lions' Jahmyr Gibbs gets $14 million contract update
- Vikings, Saints, Jets get depressing Pro Bowl update
- Cowboys pending free agent gets $30 million contract projection