The New England Patriots signed offensive tackle Caleb Lomu to his rookie contract on Monday. That officially leaves second-round pick edge rusher Gabe Jacas as the only Patriots 2026 rookie who remains unsigned.
Jacas missed voluntary OTAs with the team, and there have been questions on if he will be ready to return for mandatory minicamp. ESPN’s Mike Reiss wondered if the former Illinois standout has been sidelined with an injury this offseason.
In that case, the Patriots might be saving him for training camp.
But that news would bring about some serious concerns for New England, given the lack of depth at edge rusher. Harold Landry III and Dre’Mont Jones are the top options, with Bradyn Swinson, Elijah Ponder and Jesse Luketa as the depth options.
Patriots first-round pick Caleb Lomu has signed his contract, per the team.
That leaves second-round edge Gabe Jacas as the lone unsigned pick.
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) June 8, 2026
If Jacas’ health checks out, he’s a player who has the potential to play significant snaps for the Patriots in 2026.
He finished his career at Illinois with 35.5 tackles for loss, seven forced fumbles, two passes defensed and 27 sacks, including 11 sacks in his final season with the Fighting Illini. There’s hope that Jacas can be more than simply another depth piece on the Patriots’ roster.
They need him to be a real difference-maker right out of the gate.
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This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: One rookie still remains unsigned from the Patriots’ 2026 draft class
