Christian Gonzalez? Yeah, he’s quickly turning heads in the NFL. The New England Patriots snagged him at 17th overall in the 2023 draft, and since then, he’s been making a name for himself. Coming out of Oregon, this guy had the tools. Speed, ball skills, and the kind of coverage stats that make quarterbacks nervous. Fast forward two seasons, and he’s got a Pro Football Focus grade of 78.2. While limiting passer ratings to 70.5 when thrown at. This isn’t just another cornerback. No, Gonzalez has turned into a legit game-changer. He’s shutting down some of the best wide receivers the NFL has to offer, and he’s proving he belongs at the top.

But don’t think it was all smooth sailing for him. Gonzalez had a chip on his shoulder when draft night hit. He was expecting to go top 10—yet there he was, slipping down to 17. And let’s just say he wasn’t thrilled. “I was hot,” Gonzalez said, admitting his frustration when he sat down with the Frat Rules Podcast. “Was mad because I was already the third corner taken. I know I’m not the third corner out of this class.” It’s that feeling of being overlooked, something we all understand. But instead of letting it hold him back, Gonzalez flipped the script. He used that frustration to fuel his game and showed the league exactly what he’s made of.

And prove it he did. By his second season, Gonzalez was already a nightmare for quarterbacks. He allowed just 54.8% of passes thrown his way to be completed, ranking among the NFL’s best. Throw in two interceptions, seven pass breakups, and a Pro Bowl nod, and it’s clear: this guy isn’t just a promising rookie anymore. He’s a defensive force. What used to be draft night doubt is now a distant memory. Gonzalez has emerged as one of the league’s elite cornerbacks, and that 17th pick feels like an afterthought now.

But he isn’t one to shy away from showing respect. On a recent episode of the Frat Rules Podcast, he made it clear: Ja’Marr Chase is the best in the game. “They use him a lot because he’s good with the ball in his hands,” Gonzalez said. “So they just wanna get him the ball and let him go to work. Ja’Marr Chase big too. Ja’Marr Chase like a running back. So when he get the ball in his hands, it’s like a little Derrick Henry.” That level of recognition for greatness ties in well, especially as Gonzalez and the emerging star, Drake Maye, continue to rise as key players for their respective teams.

Could the Patriots be eyeing an $80 million receiver to pair with Drake Maye?

Now the offseason is here, and teams are ready with their snipers, aiming at the best players who can elevate their squad to Super Bowl-level status. The New England Patriots? They’re sitting pretty with nearly $120 million in cap space, making them prime contenders for a big move. Enter Cooper Kupp—arguably one of the best wide receivers still available on the market. The Rams’ star has two years left on his $80.1 million deal, and while his numbers have dipped recently, now could be the perfect time for the Patriots to strike. With Drake Maye already lighting up the field—2,276 yards and 15 touchdowns in just 11 full games—Kupp could be exactly what the offense needs to truly take off.

Kupp isn’t just any wide receiver. This guy’s a Super Bowl champion, Offensive Player of the Year, and, as ESPN’s Harry Douglas put it, “a quarterback’s best friend.” Pairing him with Maye would be a game-changer, giving the young QB the kind of veteran presence that can help him thrive. Kupp’s leadership and reliability could instantly give Maye the confidence to take his game to the next level. Yeah, $80 million is a hefty price tag, but when you’ve got $120 million to work with, it’s the type of bold move that could set the Patriots up for future success. New England has struggled with finding elite receivers through the draft—remember, the last to hit 1,000 yards was Julian Edelman, drafted in 2009. If they want to give Maye a real shot at greatness, Kupp might be the guy to make that happen.

And let’s not forget, that adding Kupp would completely transform the receiving corps. As SB Nation’s Bernd Buchmasser highlighted. Kupp brings “proven production,” which would take the pressure off younger guys like Boutte, Bourne, and Douglas. Who had their fair share of struggles in 2024? With Kupp on board, suddenly, those same players would become less of a liability and more of a supporting cast. It’s clear the Patriots have had their struggles developing top-tier receivers, but if they want Maye to reach his full potential, pulling the trigger on a deal for Kupp is the smartest move they can make.