FOXBOROUGH, Mass As all the players returned to Gillette Stadium for the start of training camp on Friday, July 24, Christian Gonzalez was among them. The star cornerback is currently in the last year of his rookie deal, but has made it clear he wants to stay in New England as he and the team try to iron out a contract extension. As the deal has yet to be done, his status for training camp was brought into question. But head coach Mike Vrabel made it clear that he expects Gonzalez to be a full participant. He is here.I expect him to participate, Vrabel said. So, those contract negotiations are ongoing between the club and his agents. And Im excited about having Christian back here with us and the impact he can make on our football team. Really enjoy the person, enjoy the player, and thats what Im looking forward to.Recent reports have suggested that the holdup with Gonzalezs new deal is due to the ongoing negotiations between the Seahawks and cornerback Devon Witherspoon. And it's worth noting that Gonzalez and Witherspoon share an agent. However, Vrabel denied this, saying that's not the case at all. I dont think they have anything to do with one another, Vrabel said. Were not negotiating with the Seahawks, were negotiating with Christians representatives. I dont think that theres anything different than just our communication with him.During mandatory minicamp, Gonzalez was in attendance but did not participate in any of the full-speed team drills. However, Vrabel said he anticipates the cornerback taking part in everything during training camp. Were getting ready to prepare to win, Vrabel said. And thats what this is going to take through training camp. We talked about this last year earning a role, building a team, and preparing to win. And players have an opportunity to earn a role. Coaches are going to be there to help them. We all have to build a team, and I have to do my best to prepare us to win by our situations and the way we practice throughout training camp.Follow Patriots Wire onTwitterandFacebook.This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: Patriots' Mike Vrabel details the latest with CB Christian Gonzalez