Mike Vrabel addresses Patriots camp amid focus on player contracts
New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel held his first press conference of training camp on Friday, addressing various team matters as players reported for the 2026 season. The press conference, lasting over 14 minutes, focused primarily on football-related topics and player statuses.
One significant point of discussion was the ongoing contract negotiation with second-round draft pick Gabe Jacas. Jacas has not yet reported to training camp, making him one of two rookie draft picks in the NFL who remain unsigned. Vrabel confirmed that negotiations between the club and Jacas’s representatives are ongoing and described them as positive. He expressed hope that Jacas would join the team sooner rather than later but did not provide a specific timeline.
Vrabel also mentioned that he and the team’s training staff have been in contact with Jacas, who underwent offseason surgery to address some issues. Since Jacas is not under contract and not at the facility, his current health status following the surgery is not fully known. The coach indicated that the team would be cautious in evaluating Jacas physically once he is signed, acknowledging the unique situation and the challenge of making up for lost practice time, especially at the edge rusher position where the Patriots are considered thin.
Another key player discussed was cornerback Christian Gonzalez. Gonzalez, who is eligible for an extension on his rookie contract in his fourth NFL season, reported to training camp with his veteran teammates. The Patriots had picked up his fifth-year option earlier in the offseason. Vrabel confirmed that contract negotiations between the club and Gonzalez’s agents are active. Gonzalez was present for mandatory minicamp in the spring but did not attend voluntary organized team activities (OTAs), participating only lightly in minicamp drills.
Vrabel downplayed any connection between Gonzalez’s contract situation and that of Seattle Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon, despite both players being first-round picks in the 2023 NFL Draft and sharing an agent. He stated that the Patriots are negotiating directly with Gonzalez’s representatives, not with the Seahawks. The coach expressed excitement about Gonzalez’s return and the potential impact he can have on the team.
In other team news, former Titans and Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins is exploring a coaching or personnel role with the Patriots. Hopkins, who most recently played for the Baltimore Ravens, has not officially retired from playing but is considering a transition into coaching. Vrabel confirmed that Hopkins is with the team to observe and learn, shadowing the offensive coaching staff and personnel department. Hopkins has a history with Vrabel, having played for him when Vrabel was head coach of the Titans in 2023 and when Vrabel was on Bill O’Brien’s coaching staff in Houston.
The Patriots also placed special teams player Brenden Schooler on the active/non-football injury (NFI) list. This indicates that Schooler’s injury occurred away from the team facility. He joins running back Terrell Jennings, outside linebacker Harold Landry III, and tight end C.J. Dippre on either the NFI or physically unable to perform (PUP) lists. All these players can be removed from their respective lists at any time and continue to count towards the 90-man roster limit.
The press conference did not include any questions regarding the offseason drama involving Vrabel and reporter Dianna Russini. This marks a shift from consistent national coverage that began in April, following the publication of photographs showing Vrabel and Russini together. Vrabel had previously removed himself from the final day of the NFL draft to be with his family and stated he would seek counseling. However, reporters on Friday focused solely on football matters, allowing Vrabel to navigate his first training camp press conference without addressing the personal issues that had garnered attention during the offseason.
The Patriots are preparing for their first training camp practice on Saturday, with the full squad having reported on Friday.
Source: foxnews.com
