Patriots 2026 Draft Pick Didn't Report to Training Camp
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0 Share Newsweek is a Trust Project member See more of our trusted coverage when you search. Prefer Newsweek on Google to see more of our trusted coverage when you search. The New England Patriots have a concerning situation developing at the beginning of training camp with an unsigned player from April's draft.
The Patriots selected linebacker Gabe Jacas with the No. 55 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Jacas did not participate at mandatory minicamp this spring.
Per Mike Reiss of ESPN, the pass-rusher underwent a procedure this offseason, though it wasn't clear what injury Jacas was dealing with this spring. He dealt with a hamstring injury during the pre-draft process. He reportedly had a labral tear in his shoulder and a stress fracture in his foot.
On Friday, Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel told reporters that Jacas did not report to training camp. Vrabel is hopeful that New England and Jacas will finalize his rookie deal soon, but did not speculate when that would take place.
"We're continuing to work through the contract," Vrabel said , via the Patriots' website. "Those have been positive (negotiations) between the club and his representatives. Hopefully, we'll get him in here sooner rather than later. I'm not going to put a timeline on it or a timeframe, but I've spoken to Gabe personally. Excited to get him in when he's under contract."
Even when Jacas does eventually return to the Patriots, Vrabel isn't certain how quickly they'll ramp up his activity in practice.
"When he is here, we'll evaluate him physically and make sure he's ready to practice football," Vrabel said. "We admittedly will be somewhat cautious just because it's a unique situation."
Ideally, Jacas would be able to participate in practice before the preseason starts so he can play in one of the team's three exhibition contests this summer. Still, the Patriots don't want to worsen any injury for the former standout at Illinois.
Jacas, 22, made First-team All-Big Ten honors in 2025 and was named a Third-team All-American in 2024. He recorded 11 sacks for Illinois last season.
Jacas wasn't expected to be an immediate Week 1 starter for the Patriots, as the team signed Dre'Mont Jones to a three-year, $39.5 million deal in free agency. However, he has the potential to be a key rotational piece on the edge for New England as he develops in the league.
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