Patriots HC Mike Vrabel reveals Christian Gonzalez's new goal for 2026

Mike Vrabel indicated that Pro Bowl cornerback Christian Gonzalez already wants more responsibility for the 2026 season. According to the New England Patriots' head coach, Gonzalez wants to be a team captain heading into his fourth NFL year.

It would be hard to deny him considering he was arguably the team's best player throughout their entire playoff run, including Super Bowl LX. He went from a promising rookie to one of the top cornerbacks in the NFL. In the last two seasons, he earned his first All-Pro and Pro Bowl nods as a defender.

He will be looking to take things to another level with his contract now being extension-eligible. The Patriots could be on the verge of making him among the highest-paid cornerbacks in the league.

Vrabel: Christian Gonzalez wants to be a captain.

— Andrew Callahan (@_AndrewCallahan) February 25, 2026

Gonzalez would be a solid choice as a team captain. He has recorded 145 total tackles, 24 pass deflections and three interceptions in 34 games played for the Patriots.

However, not only is he producing on the football field, but he has also improved in being more vocal in the locker room. Pairing a strong voice with his elite talent will only make the defense better in 2026.

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This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: Patriots HC Mike Vrabel reveals Christian Gonzalez's new goal for 2026