With training camp set to open July 25, the Patriots are coming out of minicamp feeling good about the work they put in. Mike Vrabel said before the final session, "When you don't have a lot of expectations, you can't be disappointed," and added, "I just felt like there hasn't been much complacency.
I think the guys have worked. We've had great leadership, added some good leaders and good pieces, and we are continuing to build and hopefully prepare for a long journey."
Even with that momentum, a few major issues still need answers before rookies report on July 21 and veterans arrive three days later.
One of the biggest involves second-round rookie Jared Jacas, who has still not taken part in football activities and has not practiced for the Patriots yet. New England traded three picks to move up with the Los Angeles Chargers to draft Jacas, but he has not signed his rookie contract.
He also had an offseason procedure, which could be affecting what he can do right now. That leaves the Patriots in a tricky spot, especially with their edge-rusher group already thinned by Harold Landry missing minicamp because of a knee injury.
Bradyn Swinson and Elijah Ponder have some promising traits in their second season, but relying on them and Dre’Mont Jones as the main group heading into the summer does not look especially sturdy. The Patriots need to sort out the issue with Jacas and get him under contract, or else they may have to look at a free agent or a trade.
Wide receiver Kayshon Boutte is another name hanging over the summer. He skipped the voluntary portion of the offseason before returning for mandatory minicamp, and his name has come up in trade talk, especially after the acquisition of A.J.
Brown on June 1. Boutte was present at minicamp and worked in team drills on some days, though there were also moments when he looked limited and stayed off to the side.
For now, the Patriots can keep him through the summer and keep checking the market, or they could try to move him before practices begin. Right now, it does not sound like a deal is imminent.
The Patriots and Boutte still seem to believe he can help the team, even if the possibility of a trade has not gone away.
The Patriots also have a decision to make with first-round pick Lomu and where he fits best once camp gets going. He played tackle in college and spent most of the spring at tackle, but he also worked at guard at times.
Lomu made it clear in two of his first press conferences with local media that he would do whatever he could to help the team, and New England may view him as a useful backup guard. That would make sense given the state of the interior depth, where Ben Brown, Andrew Rupcich, Jacob Rizy and converted tackle Caedan Wallace are the top backup options at guard.
The tackle room is also getting crowded after the additions of James Hudson in free agency and Dametrious Crownover in the draft. The ideal outcome would still be to keep Lomu at tackle for most of his career, but if the Patriots decide the guard depth is too thin, he could get more work inside next to the center.
Then there is Christian Gonzalez, who stands as the Patriots’ best defensive player and one of the top cornerbacks in the NFL. He is headed for a huge extension, even though he is still on his rookie deal through the end of 2027.
A contract in the $30M+ range could be coming this season, and Gonzalez did not take part in mandatory minicamp. It is hard to imagine him showing up for training camp without a new deal in place, especially if he is aiming for the biggest contract ever for a cornerback.
The Patriots can let the situation carry into padded practices if they have to, but that would create the risk of Gonzalez falling behind in the 2026 preparation process. The deal will happen at some point; the real question is whether it gets done before July 25.
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