Gabe Jacas

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.