Gabriel Jacas (; born May 27, 2004) is an American professional football outside linebacker for the New England Patriots of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Illinois Fighting Illini and was selected by the Patriots in the second round of the 2026 NFL draft.
Early life Jacas grew up in Port St. Lucie, Florida, and attended Fort Pierce Central High School. In addition to playing football, he won two state titles in wrestling. Jacas was rated a three-star recruit and originally committed to play college football at Tulane during the summer before his senior year. He later flipped his commitment to Illinois after coach Bret Bielema received a tip from an area scout and offered him a scholarship.
College career Jacas was named a starter at outside linebacker entering his freshman season with the Illinois Fighting Illini.
Professional career
In the 2026 NFL draft, Jacas was picked 55th overall by the New England Patriots in the second round. The Patriots traded away their 63rd, 131st, and 202nd to acquire the 55th pick from the Los Angeles Chargers. On June 9, 2026, head coach Mike Vrabel announced that Jacas was recovering from an arthroscopic knee procedure he underwent shortly after the draft. Jacas signed a four–year, $8.6 million contract with New England on July 25; he was the last second–round pick of the 2026 NFL draft to sign his rookie contract.
In Week 1 against the Seattle Seahawks, Jacas recorded three tackles and first ever NFL sack on Drew Lock in the 10–13 loss. In Week 2 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Jacas recorded his first ever interception at any level off of Aaron Rodgers to go with three tackles in the 20–3 win.
References
External links
New England Patriots bio Illinois Fighting Illini bio