New England Patriots rookie linebacker Gabe Jacas remained unsigned and was absent from mandatory minicamp after a medical procedure, ESPN reported, leaving the NFL second-round pick's contract status unresolved before training camp.
Patriots coach Mike Vrabel acknowledged that Jacas had a procedure, had not signed his contract and was not with the team. ESPN reported that Jacas was the lone second-round draft pick in the NFL who had not signed a contract at the time of publication.
Jacas Contract Holdup Tied To Medical Status
Jacas reported to the Patriots facility for rookie minicamp on May 7 and was watching from the sideline in a blue No. 50 jersey when reporters were present on May 9, according to ESPN.
At that point, Jacas and first-round offensive tackle Caleb Lomu were New England's only unsigned draft picks. Lomu participated in practice anyway, while Jacas did not, a distinction ESPN connected to medical clearance.
A source familiar with Jacas' recovery told ESPN that he underwent a knee procedure described as a clean-up. The report did not say exactly when the issue developed or provide a club-announced diagnosis.
Participation Agreement Adds Contract Layer
ESPN reported that Jacas had not been with the Patriots since May, according to a source, and that his absence was tied in part to not being given a standard participation agreement by the team.
Those agreements generally state that if an unsigned draft pick is injured before signing his first NFL contract, the team remains obligated to sign him based on the slot where he was drafted.
One high-ranking NFL executive told ESPN that the Patriots are likely seeking financial protection in the contract because of the medical procedure. Jacas' agent declined comment, and Vrabel did not disclose additional details.
Patriots Still Project Role For Second-Round Pick
New England traded up to select Jacas at No. 55. ESPN framed him as a projected piece in an outside linebacker group led by Dre'Mont Jones and Harold Landry III, with Jacas and younger players behind them on the depth chart.
The report said the procedure was not expected to threaten Jacas' availability for the 2026 season and that there was hope he would be ready for training camp. That is not the same as a guaranteed timetable, and the missed spring classroom work still matters for a rookie.
For the Patriots, the next step is practical rather than dramatic: resolve the rookie contract, keep the medical side on track and find out how much ground Jacas needs to make up when training camp begins.