CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WAND) - Former Illinois football edge rusher Gabe Jacas has signed his rookie contract with the New England Patriots.
The fourth-team All-American and All-Big Ten selection was picked 55th overall in the 2026 NFL draft. Jacas recorded 27 sacks in his Illini career, the most in the Big Ten following the 2025 season.
Patriots sign second-round pick Gabe Jacas.@Gabeosama | @Gillette pic.twitter.com/b7ZEzlEp8n
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) July 26, 2026
According to several reports, Jacas and the Patriots have agreed on a 4-year, $8.6 million rookie deal. Despite the signing, however, he will not begin training camp with the team. Jacas has been designated to the non-football injury list and will work toward making his first appearance with the group in the preseason practices.
Sources: The #Patriots signed rookie OLB Gabe Jacas to a four-year, $8.6M contract.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) July 25, 2026
Big news as New England traded up to draft Jacas, the former All-American out of Illinois, in the 2nd-round. pic.twitter.com/iLm1VGXMUi
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