Gabe Jacas has officially taken the next step in his football career, signing his rookie contract with the New England Patriots after being the earliest Illinois player selected in the 2026 NFL Draft.
According to Jordan Schultz of The Schultz Report, Jacas agreed to a four-year, $8.6 million deal with New England. The Patriots traded up to grab the former Illinois standout in the second round, bringing in one of the draft’s more highly regarded edge rushers.
Jacas, from Port St. Lucie, Florida, entered the draft as a player who showed up near the top of plenty of mock boards. He was Bret Bielema’s top prospect, and now he has landed in Foxborough to begin his NFL run.
At Illinois, Jacas was a steady force from 2022 through 2025. Over 50 games, he piled up 183 tackles and 27 sacks, and his impact earned him All-Big Ten honors three times. He was one of the most disruptive defenders in Champaign during that stretch.
Now he joins a Patriots pass rush that needs help. New England finished last season No. 22 in sacks with 35 and No. 19 in pass-rush win rate at 35%. That left room for a difference-maker off the edge, and Jacas gives them a shot at one.
Illinois fans know exactly what the Patriots are getting. Jacas built a reputation as a monster for the Illini, using his brute strength and athleticism to overwhelm blockers. He still has areas to sharpen, including his rush path and move-set, but the raw tools are obvious.
Mike Vrabel now has four years to shape that talent and see how far it can go in New England.