Patriots prepare to kick off training camp with two players in contract limbo

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — The New England Patriots are set to kick off 2026 training camp in Foxborough, but contract questions loom large for a couple of notable players.

Patriots Pro Bowl cornerback Christian Gonzalez is entering the fourth year of his rookie contract and is reportedly seeking an extension that would involve a big payday for New England’s top defensive player.

“I would expect him to be here,” head coach Mike Vrabel said. “He is here, and I would expect him to participate. So, those contract negotiations are ongoing between the club and his agents. I’m excited about having Christian back here with us and the impact that he can make on our football team, and I really enjoy the person, enjoy the player.”

As it stands, Gonzalez would earn $2,259,482 in the upcoming season under his current deal, according to Spotrac. The NFL’s top cornerbacks currently earn upwards of $30 million per year.

Patriots rookie second-round linebacker Gabe Jacas is in a similar contract stalemate.

He still has not signed his rookie deal with New England, and remains the only unsigned second-round pick from this year’s NFL Draft.

“Continuing to work through the contract,” Vrabel said. “I think that those [talks] have been positive, between the club and his representative. Hopefully, we’ll get him in here sooner rather than later. Not going to put a timeline on it or a timeframe, but I’ve spoken to Gabe personally, and again, excited to get him in when he’s under contract.”

Vrabel also said Jacas had a “clean-up” surgery since the Patriots drafted him in the spring.

Pending Jacas’ addition, New England’s rookie class will join a Super Bowl-experienced group of veterans to tackle the new season.

“Every year is a new year in this league, and you have to be ready to bring it every year, no matter if you’re year one, year ten, year five,” Patriots tight end Hunter Henry said.

New England’s veteran players who spoke to the media Friday emphasized their outlook that this season is a new slate and not a carry-over from the Super Bowl run.

“It’s a brand-new team, and we’re going to have to learn how to come together as a team as the 2026 Patriots,” linebacker Robert Spillane said. “Nothing is guaranteed. We put in all this work in the offseason just to give us the best chance going forward.”

The Patriots open training camp Saturday, July 25, for their first of 13 practices open to the public. See the full schedule here.

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