NFL insider makes prediction on Christian Gonzalez extension timeframe

The countdown is officially on for Christian Gonzalez's eventual contract extension with the New England Patriots.

On Saturday, the Seattle Seahawks made Devon Witherspoon the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history on a four-year, $132 million contract extension, including $101 million guaranteed. Like Witherspoon, Gonzalez is also playing in the final year of his original rookie deal and facing an opportunity to reset the cornerback market.

When asked about a timeline on the potential extension, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport said he expected a deal to get done quickly when appearing on The Pat McAfee Show.

"I don't expect this to leak into the season. Either it will get done or it won't," said Rapoport. "But I don't think this will be the kind of thing where like, the Patriots want to see something and he goes out and plays great, and they're like, 'Okay, he deserves a new contract.' No. They know he's a great player. When it gets done, he's going to be the highest paid. ...If cooler heads can prevail here, I would imagine it could get done pretty quickly."

"The Patriots know Christian Gonzalez is a great player and when his deal gets done he will be the highest paid cornerback..

If cooler heads can prevail here I would imagine this deal could get done pretty quickly" ~ @RapSheet#PMSLivepic.twitter.com/n8Sz69J0x6

Gonzalez hasn't appeared on the practice field since last Monday. That includes missing the team's scheduled joint training camp practice with the Indianapolis Colts last week.

Patriots coach Mike Vrabel has claimed multiple times that Gonzalez's absence isn't contract-related. The star defensive back is currently dealing with an injury that is believed to have occurred late in last week's practice. His availability this week ahead of the Patriots' two scheduled joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles is currently up in the air.

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This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: NFL insider makes prediction on Christian Gonzalez extension timeframe