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A key piece of the Patriots defense has entered the window for a contract extension, and if he gets his way, he'll be a cornerstone in New England for years to come.

After staying away from voluntary offseason activities amid contract talks, cornerback Christian Gonzalez returned to the Patriots in time for the start of mandatory minicamp Tuesday and delivered a clear message: He only wants to continue playing in New England.

"Of course, I want to be here. I've said this multiple times," Gonzalez told reporters Tuesday. "I've been drafted here. I want to be rewarded as a Patriot. I love this town. I love this city. So of course I want to be here."

Thanks to the standard fifth-year option for first-round picks, Gonzalez is currently under contract through the 2027 season. The arrival of his fourth NFL season means he can start negotiating a long-term extension, inviting questions about greater wants, needs and timing. There's little reason to worry about his general status for 2026, but it could include a hold-in to start training camp if negotiations don't progress to a satisfactory place.

Days after Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield placed a hard deadline (the start of training camp) on his own contract talks, Gonzalez was asked whether he expects to participate in Patriots camp in late July.

"Training camp, I'm not worried about that," Gonzalez said. "We are in mandatory minicamp right now, so that's what we're focused on as we get into that."

Gonzalez's timing for a new deal is potentially fortuitous. He's coming off his first Pro Bowl campaign of his career, already has a second-team All-Pro selection on his r茅sum茅 and just helped the Patriots reach the Super Bowl for the first time in the post-Tom Brady era.

As Gonzalez explained Tuesday, he returned to the Patriots' offseason activities this week because "I got obligations." Those same obligations will be present in training camp, a checkpoint Gonzalez hopes he'll reach with a new extension in hand.

"I hope," Gonzalez said when asked if he feels like progress is being made toward getting a deal done. "That's up to my agents and the team. I hope we get something done."

Judging by Gonzalez's tone Tuesday, he's taking a hands-off approach, focusing on football and hoping for the best. We'll see if he's rewarded before the 2026 season begins, or if another strong season is necessary for him to secure his first pay day.