The worth of retaining Philadelphia’s elite cornerback duo continues to rise, and the Eagles needs to be paying shut consideration.
The New England Patriots have agreed to a four-year, $135 million extension with Christian Gonzalez, in keeping with Ian Rapoport. The contract consists of $102 million assured, with each figures establishing NFL data for a cornerback. Gonzalez’s deal averages $33.75 million yearly and surpasses the four-year, $132 million extension Devon Witherspoon lately signed with the Seattle Seahawks. Witherspoon acquired $101 million assured.
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Two record-setting agreements in lower than a month have vital long-term implications for Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean.
Mitchell and DeJean had been chosen within the first and second rounds of the 2024 NFL draft, respectively. Neither is eligible to signal an extension till after the 2026 season, however Philadelphia might face two sophisticated negotiations as quickly as subsequent offseason. Mitchell has rapidly developed into one of many NFL’s greatest exterior cornerbacks. His pace, size, and skill to remain linked to receivers have allowed Vic Fangio to belief him in opposition to a few of the league’s most harmful targets.
One other Professional Bowl-caliber season might place Mitchell to problem Gonzalez’s contract. Philadelphia has Mitchell’s fifth-year choice accessible for 2028, offering extra management however not essentially decreasing his eventual asking value.
DeJean presents a distinct monetary problem.
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The versatile defensive again operates primarily from the slot, however his worth extends past conventional cornerback obligations. DeJean can cowl receivers, defend the run, strain quarterbacks, and create turnovers. He’s additionally a harmful punt returner. As a result of DeJean was a second-round decide, the Eagles should not have a fifth-year choice hooked up to his rookie contract. He’s scheduled to turn out to be a free agent after the 2027 season, giving Philadelphia extra urgency to deal with his future.
Gonzalez earned his extension after three NFL seasons, following the identical timeline Mitchell and DeJean are approaching. He additionally strengthened his worth throughout New England’s 2025 playoff run, permitting 4 receptions for 32 yards on 10 fourth-quarter targets. He surrendered no touchdowns, intercepted one move, and held opposing quarterbacks to a 9.2 passer score, in keeping with Subsequent Gen Stats.
The Eagles do not must determine instantly, however the framework is turning into clear. If Mitchell and DeJean proceed acting at an elite degree, maintaining the NFL’s greatest younger cornerback tandem intact would require two monumental investments.
This text initially appeared on Eagles Wire: What Christian Gonzalez’s $135M extension means for the Eagles’ CB duo
