Christian Gonzalez and Kayshon Boutte present as the Patriots open minicamp, but second-round pick Gabe Jacas is not
FOXBOROUGH — The Patriots welcomed back cornerback Christian Gonzalez and wide receiver Kayshon Boutte for the first day of mandatory minicamp on Tuesday, but they were still without a key player.
Rookie edge rusher Gabe Jacas has yet to practice since the Patriots traded up to draft him in the second round with the 55th overall pick. Coach Mike Vrabel would not provide an explanation for Jacas’s absence, other than noting that Jacas recently underwent a procedure and remains unsigned.
“I don’t attribute it to anything other than he’s not here and he’s not under contract at this current time,” Vrabel said before Tuesday’s practice. “I don’t want to say there’s a reason for it, other than that’s what it is right now.”
The nature of Jacas’s procedure is unclear, though he was previously dealing with a right hamstring sprain that sidelined him for the scouting combine and Illinois Pro Day (March 12). Jacas then held a private workout for NFL teams on April 2, when he impressed with a 4.69-second 40-yard dash featuring a 1.59-second 10-yard split.
Vrabel would not say whether the Patriots knew Jacas was going to require a procedure. He said they have remained in communication, but he has yet to work with him “on grass.”
“We’re excited about Gabe, the person that he is, the play style, the production in college, all that,” Vrabel said. “When that gets resolved, we’ll have him in here and we’ll coach him. I’m sure we’ll find a way for him to help our football team.”
Asked if the situation has been frustrating, Vrabel said, “Not one bit.”
“I have been excited to work with the players here,” he said. “I have learned there’s only so many things you can control.”
Another element of Jacas’s situation is the amount of guaranteed money has become a critical part of negotiations for second-round picks. The Texans last year made wide receiver Jayden Higgins the first second-round pick in NFL history to receive a fully guaranteed contract, prompting other second-round picks to not participate in spring practices until their representation finalized deals.
Regardless of the reason behind it, Jacas’s absence delays his development. By the end of this week, he will have missed rookie minicamp as well as the eight-week spring program, which included 10 organized team activities and a three-day mandatory minicamp. Asked how far behind Jacas will be, Vrabel wouldn’t speculate.
“Can’t say it, won’t say it,” he said. “I don’t think that’s fair to anybody.”
Given their opening on the edge, and the need for improvement at that position, the Patriots are hopeful that Jacas will be able to eventually work his way into the rotation. Outside linebackers coach Mike Smith acknowledged the extended absence will have an impact but still expressed optimism about the future.
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“[Gabe] is a smart kid,” Smith said. “When he gets here, we’ll get rolling. I kind of stay away from whatever’s going on with him right now, all that stuff.”
As for the rest of the attendance, Vrabel said all players under contract reported to Gillette Stadium. Boutte and Gonzalez had not practiced during the voluntary portion of the offseason program.
“Everybody under contract is here and accounted for,” Vrabel said. “As it relates to practice, everybody will have a different plan at practice. Some guys will be full, some will be limited, some guys will work on the lower field.”
Boutte and Gonzalez, who both spoke after practice, each said all of the right things. Gonzalez is awaiting a potentially record-setting contract extension, while Boutte’s name has popped up in trade discussions.
Gonzalez reiterated his desire to stay in New England, deferring to his agents when asked about the progress of negotiations. He is under contract through the 2027 season because the Patriots picked up his fifth-year option.
“I’ve been drafted here,” he said. “I want to be rewarded as a Patriot. I love this town. I love this city, so of course I want to be here.”
Boutte, meanwhile, stayed mum on whether he would also like a new deal. He is in the final year of his rookie contract.
“At the end of day, it’s going to be what’s best for me, whether it’s here or somewhere else,” he said. “I hope it’s here. I want to be here, but we’ll see how it goes.”
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