Will Patriots CB Christian Gonzalez contend for DPOY in 2026?

Is New England Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez a dark horse candidate to win the 2026 AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year award? The short answer is yes. Gonzalez's best season came in 2024, when he was named a Second-Team All-Pro honoree.

The Texas native recorded two interceptions and 11 passes defensed that season. Gonzalez followed that up with another season of note in 2025, as he helped the Patriots reach the Super Bowl before losing to the Seattle Seahawks 29-13. However, the Oregon product has yet to finish in the top five in Defensive Player of the Year voting in his career.

Things can be different for him in his fourth season in the league in 2026. Only two cornerbacks have won the DPOY award in the last 15 years. Denver Broncos corner Pat Surtain won it in 2024.

Before him was former Patriots great Stephen Gillmore, who took home the award in 2019. Surtain and Gilmore set the standard for what is to be expected from a cornerback that is worthy of DPOY honors. Surtain had a staggering target rate of 9.