Christian Gonzalez now turns attention to again slowing down Jaxon Smith-Njigba

Feb 8, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez (0) breaks up a pass against Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) during Super Bowl LX at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

A day before the New England Patriots kick off their season, they agreed to terms with star cornerback Christian Gonzalez on a record-breaking four-year, $135 million contract extension.

Now, Gonzalez's full attention turns to slowing down Jaxon Smith-Njigba in the opener.

[Jaxon's] a great great receiver. Respect him completely," Gonzalez said. He can do it all. I mean, everybody saw the year he had last year."

Smith-Njigba led the league last season with 1,793 receiving yards last season, setting additional career-highs in receptions (119) and touchdowns (10). The performance led to him being named the NFL's Offensive Player of the Year in addition to a first-team All-Pro.

Just the suddenness, route craft. He is smooth, he can play at different speeds, he plays inside, he runs a full route tree, he is strong atthe catch point," head coach Mike Vrabel said about the receiver.But I just think that the savviness and the ability to get in and out of breaks is really impressive."

For all the success Smith-Njigba had last season, one of his quietest performances came in Super Bowl LX against Gonzalez and the Patriots. The Seahawks' top offensive weapon was held to just four catches for 27 yards, with Gonzalez in coverage for just one reception to go along with a pass breakup in the end zone.

But even with the relatively quiet performance, Gonzalez came away impressed by what makes the receiver so difficult to defend.

It kind of stood out just how smooth he is of an athlete. I mean, he's doesn't really look like he's running, but he's moving pretty fast. So, he's just really smooth and makes everything look the same," Gonzalez said.

That's a skill set that a lot of receivers do to confuse the corners - is make everything look the same. And he does a very good job at that."

Both growing up in Texas, Gonzalez and Smith-Njigba are long familiar with each other and their games. The duo were each part of the 2023 NFL Draft and now have both inked $100-plus million extensions this offseason.

A rematch Wednesday night to open the 2026 NFL season will now be the next part of their story.

Just being from the same area, it's real cool to watch each other come up and then be able to play on the biggest stage and then just support each other and see each other do what we do. So, it's fun," Gonzalez said.