- May 21, 2026
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Every second-round pick in the 2026 NFL draft has signed his rookie contract, except one: Patriots linebacker Gabe Jacas, who remains unsigned as questions surround his non-participation in the team's offseason work.
Patriots coach Mike Vrabel confirmed last week that Jacas was not participating, but did not say why. Vrabel did, however, mention that Jacas had to have a procedure this offseason.
According to Mike Reiss of ESPN, the injuries are mounting for Jacas: A hamstring injury kept him out of both the NFL Scouting Combine and Illinois' Pro Day, although he held his own Pro Day before the draft and looked good. Sources from other NFL teams said that in pre-draft medical evaluations, Jacas was found to have a torn labrum in his shoulder and a stress fracture in his foot. And the procedure Vrabel mentioned was reportedly for Jacas' knee.
The report says Jacas was not given a standard "participation agreement" from the Patriots, which most draft picks receive, that would have guaranteed the Patriots would still sign him to his rookie contract even if he suffered an offseason injury that prevented him from playing. Jacas may have to get healthy before the Patriots are ready to commit to signing their end of his rookie contract.
Patriots coach Mike Vrabel confirmed last week that Jacas was not participating, but did not say why. Vrabel did, however, mention that Jacas had to have a procedure this offseason.
According to Mike Reiss of ESPN, the injuries are mounting for Jacas: A hamstring injury kept him out of both the NFL Scouting Combine and Illinois' Pro Day, although he held his own Pro Day before the draft and looked good. Sources from other NFL teams said that in pre-draft medical evaluations, Jacas was found to have a torn labrum in his shoulder and a stress fracture in his foot. And the procedure Vrabel mentioned was reportedly for Jacas' knee.
The report says Jacas was not given a standard "participation agreement" from the Patriots, which most draft picks receive, that would have guaranteed the Patriots would still sign him to his rookie contract even if he suffered an offseason injury that prevented him from playing. Jacas may have to get healthy before the Patriots are ready to commit to signing their end of his rookie contract.