Vrabel on Gonzalez's Frustration: Players Free to Feel

After the Patriots' preseason finale loss to the Browns, coach Mike Vrabel addressed Gonzalez's expressed frustration with the pace of contract negotiations. "I have conversations with Christian, and I understand that this is probably something that's difficult," Vrabel said, via Sophie Weller of Patriots Wire. "I've never been in that position to this extent. Try to treat it with class, but he and I communicate, and our players are always free to feel how they feel." catcrossgame.com

The sides don't appear close on an extension. The Seahawks recently signed cornerback Devon Witherspoon to a four-year, $132 million deal, which should provide a template for the Patriots. Gonzalez and Witherspoon have the same agent, Reggie Johnson. Gonzalez is under contract for the next two seasons and is scheduled to make a base salary of $2.259 million this season.