What happened: Veterans for the New England Patriots report to training camp on July 24, with all eyes on star cornerback Christian Gonzalez as he seeks a long term contract extension. The fourth year defender participated in mandatory minicamp last month but sat out team drills while expressing his desire to be rewarded by the organization. With fellow 2023 draft class member Devon Witherspoon of the Seattle Seahawks also unsigned, the market for premier outside corners is reaching a critical inflection point.

Why it matters: Gonzalez proved his elite status during New England's recent Super Bowl run, cementing himself as the top playmaker on the roster. He allowed an NFL lowest 43.4 percent completion rate in coverage last season while earning Pro Bowl honors and anchoring the defensive backfield alongside Carlton Davis III and Marcus Jones. Hesitating on a new deal risks a summer holdout that could compromise his early season conditioning and jeopardize the entire defensive scheme.