New England Patriots rookie edge rusher Gabe Jacas did not report to training camp.
The second-round pick defender has still yet to sign his rookie contract. It's a concerning situation with no end in sight, although Patriots coach Mike Vrabel did offer a little optimism when speaking with media members on Friday.
“We’re continuing to work through the contract,” Vrabel said. “I think those have been positive 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.”
When pressed for a reason for the hold-up, Vrabel wouldn't give a straight answer.
"Every contract is unique,
every contract is different, and it'll get resolved. I'm positive that it will," said Vrabel.
The Patriots are in dire need of help on the edge. Harold Landry III, their leading sack artist in 2025, is still working his way back from a knee injury. Without Landry and Jacas, that leaves New England with Dre'Mont Jones, Bradyn Swinson, Elijah Ponder, Jesse Luketa and Quintayvious Hutchens.
The team might ultimately be forced to sift through the remaining veteran free agents to see if an experienced playmaker could provide a needed boost on the edge.
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This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: Did Patriots' unsigned rookie Gabe Jacas report for training camp?
