File this under the “Well, it doesn’t hurt to ask” category. The New England Patriots have been getting calls about cornerback Christian Gonzalez ahead of the upcoming NFL trade deadline, according to a report by NFL insider Josina Anderson.
However, that will be the extent of any trade talk involving the second-year defender. Gonzalez is not for sale, and will not be traded ahead of next Tuesday’s deadline.
“The Patriots have been receiving multiple calls on cornerback Christian Gonzalez. He’s not for sale, but they find it amusing,” Anderson said on Friday.
Gonzalez, 22, joined the Patriots as a first-round selection in the 2023 NFL Draft. While his rookie campaign was cut short after just four games, he already was able to showcase his sky-high potential as one of the most intriguing young cornerbacks in the league.
Back at full strength as a sophomore this season, Gonzalez has managed to pick up right where he left off. Regularly going up one-on-one against the best wide receivers New England’s opponents have to offer, he has performed at a level worthy of Pro Bowl and NFL Comeback Player of the Year consideration.
While a player of his caliber would likely yield a significant haul in a trade, the Patriots have made their intentions clear. They view Gonzalez as a true blue-chip player at a premium position, and a big part of their ongoing rebuild.
He will therefore not be part of any trades. That does not mean the Patriots will not be active either as buyers or sellers over the next few days.
“They’re still keeping an eye on the wide receiver, defensive tackle and [offensive] tackle positions — at the very least seeing what talent potentially may arise there,” Anderson said.
The NFL trade deadline will come up at 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Nov. 5. Leading up to it, the Patriots will take on the Tennessee Titans at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday.
