New England Patriots
Patriots coach Mike Vrabel would not say whether the Patriots were aware when they traded up to draft Gabe Jacas that the ensuing contractual process would be this drawn out. Danielle Parhizkaran/Globe Staff
July 24, 2026 | 12:56 PM
2 minutes to read
FOXBOROUGH — Patriots coach Mike Vrabel said he is “positive” the contract situation with second-round pick Gabe Jacas will get resolved.
“Hopefully, we’ll get him in here sooner rather than later,” Vrabel said Friday at the New Balance Athletics Center. “I’m not going to put a timeline on it or a time frame. I’ve spoken to Gabe personally, and am excited to get him in when he’s under contract.”
Jacas, selected 55th, has not signed his rookie deal and, as a result, has not reported to Gillette Stadium for training camp, which begins Saturday. Jacas is the only Patriot to not report, as well as the only non-quarterback of the 2026 draft class to have not signed his contract.
According to Vrabel, the Patriots and Jacas’s representatives are “continuing to work through the contract.” He expressed optimism surrounding the negotiations, but would not specify the reason behind the delay.
“Every contract is unique,” he said. “Every contract is different.”
Vrabel would not say whether the Patriots were aware when they traded up to draft Jacas that the ensuing contractual process would be this drawn out. He also would not say whether Jacas suffered a new injury after the Patriots’ final pre-draft visit with him.
Vrabel would only acknowledge that Jacas underwent a procedure “to take care of some things.” Asked how Jacas is faring physically — he was not present for the entirety of the voluntary offseason program — Vrabel said the team will evaluate him upon his eventual arrival. It is not clear whether Jacas will be able to participate immediately.
“I think we admittedly will be somewhat cautious, just because it’s a unique situation, ” Vrabel said. “When he is here, we’ll evaluate him physically and make sure he’s ready to practice football and make sure he’s good mentally.”
As for how Vrabel is feeling about depth on the edge, with veteran Harold Landry on the physically unable to perform list, there remains a level of confidence. The Patriots also have Dre’Mont Jones, Elijah Ponder, 2025 fifth-round pick Bradyn Swinson, Jesse Luketa, and newly signed Riley Wilson available at the position.
“We have a lot of guys who are going to take advantage of the opportunity,” Vrabel said. “They’re going to earn reps and continue to improve.”
