New England Patriots
Jacas, who was the only unsigned second-rounder in the NFL, reached a deal with the Patriots on the first day of training camp.
Illinois defensive end Gabe Jacas during a game against Washington in Oct. 2025. AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson
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The Patriots have signed rookie linebacker Gabe Jacas to a four-year contract worth up to $8.6 million, according to NFL Insider Jordan Schultz.
Jacas had been the only unsigned rookie second-round pick in the NFL until Saturday morning.
Coach Mike Vrabel told reporters before Saturday’s practice that he did not have an update on the situation and that he wasn’t sure if Jacas was in New England.
Jacas was not spotted during practice in Foxborough. Saturday’s session marked the beginning of the Patriots’ 2026 training camp. The Patriots’ preseason opener against the Colts is weeks away on Aug. 13.
Jacas missed spring workouts while his contract situation was being resolved.
Sources: The #Patriots signed rookie OLB Gabe Jacas to a four-year, $8.6M contract.
Big news as New England traded up to draft Jacas, the former All-American out of Illinois, in the 2nd-round. pic.twitter.com/iLm1VGXMUi
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) July 25, 2026
ESPN reported that he had a “clean up” knee procedure done in the offseason that may have given the Patriots some pause about giving Jacas a “participation agreement” during the spring.
Both sides were eventually able to agree upon a deal.
Jacas’ arrival will help with depth on the edge. Harold Landry, who led the team in sacks last season, remains on the physically unable to perform list as he deals with a knee injury. New England lost K’Lavon Chaisson during free-agency.
New England signed Dre’Mont Jones during the offseason. Patriots coaches have expressed excitement about second-year edge rusher Elijah Ponder’s development. Now, they can add Jacas to the mix.
Khari A. Thompson
Khari Thompson covers professional sports for Boston.com. Before joining the team in 2022, Khari covered college football for The Clarion Ledger in Jackson, Miss.
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