The New England Patriots have watched the price of keeping Christian Gonzalez climb throughout the offseason. They exercised the star cornerback’s fifth-year option earlier in the offseason, keeping him under contract through the 2027 campaign. Seattle Seahawks star Devon Witherspoon, the fifth overall selection that year, could become the player who establishes the market. Christian Gonzalez signing jerseys after practice-@CLNSMedia pic.twitter.com/emlRtnGXqe — Patriots on CLNS (@PatriotsCLNS) August 7, 2026Draft order no longer tells the complete story. That answer becomes more complicated every time another young star signs a record-setting deal.