Patriots could use depth at edge rusher and tight end, and more leftover thoughts from training camp

Four takeaways now that the Patriots’ offseason program has concluded …

1. The depth at edge rusher is concerning.

Immediately following the draft, it looked as though edge rusher Gabe Jacas was in the best position among the rookies to earn a crucial role this season. The coaching staff raved about his play style, one defined by violence and toughness. He appeared to be a perfect fit for the Patriots, who needed reinforcements on the edge.

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But Jacas has yet to sign his contract or practice this spring. Coach Mike Vrabel acknowledged Jacas recently underwent a procedure but didn’t elaborate on the extended absence. Even without the details, there’s no denying the missed time will hinder Jacas’s development.

“I mean, it would hurt anybody,” outside linebackers coach Mike Smith said.

Jacas is the only second-round pick to not have signed his rookie contract.

The Patriots have another question mark at edge, because of veteran Harold Landry. Vrabel called it “unnecessary” for Landry to take reps during the spring, as he continues his recovery from a lingering knee injury that affected him last season. Once Landry returns during training camp, his status will be worth watching.

If Jacas is behind, and Landry, who just turned 30, is unable to return to form, the Patriots will have to rely on Dre’Mont Jones, Elijah Ponder, Bradyn Swinson, and Jessie Luketa. Ponder showed potential last year as an undrafted rookie, while Swinson, a 2025 fifth-round pick, is unproven and didn’t make the initial 53-man roster last year. Luketa didn’t play a snap last season and projects more as a special teamer.

Still, Vrabel didn’t express much concern about the situation.

“That’s a good group,” he said. “I’m excited about adding Dre, the development of Ponder and Swinson. We added Luketa and some young guys.”

2. The same can be said about tight end.

After losing Julian Hill to a season-ending injury, the Patriots are also short on tight ends with just Hunter Henry, Jack Westover, C.J. Dippre, third-round pick Eli Raridon, and undrafted rookie Tanner Arkin.

Although Hill was not a splashy free agent signing, the Patriots paid him significant money (three years, $15 million) and expected him to contribute meaningfully as the run blocker. Westover is probably the next man up, but he is still fairly inexperienced.

Unlike at edge rusher, though, Vrabel indicated the team plans to add at tight end. Available players at the position include Pharaoh Brown, Will Dissly, Zach Ertz, Tucker Fisk, Donald Parham, and Jonnu Smith.

Smith, who turns 31 in August, played three seasons for Vrabel in Tennessee and also played a season for offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels in New England.

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3. Christian Gonzalez has not yet signed an extension, but things don’t seem hostile.

Gonzalez skipped the voluntary portion of the offseason, before showing up for all three days of mandatory minicamp. Even though Gonzalez stayed on the sidelines during the competitive 11-on-11 periods of practice, he wasn’t a total non-participant. The fact that Gonzalez went through even some drills is seemingly a sign that negotiations aren’t that contentious.

Executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf has said on multiple occasions they want to retain Gonzalez. Gonzalez has made it clear he wants an extension, saying Tuesday he wants “to be rewarded as a Patriot.”

It would be surprising if Gonzalez plays the upcoming season on his current contract, which is set to pay him a base salary of $2.3 million in 2026 and $18.1 million in 2027. The top cornerbacks are averaging $30 million annually.

It behooves the Patriots to get a deal done sooner rather than later, because the price will only go up as other players reset the market. Owner Robert Kraft said as much during owners meetings, saying it’s believed to be “more economically satisfactory.” The Patriots also will have to extend quarterback Drake Maye, who becomes eligible next offseason.

So, when will the two parties actually reach terms on a new agreement? Last year, the Jets picked up cornerback Sauce Gardner’s fifth-year option and then signed him to a massive extension in mid-July. Perhaps the Patriots will be on similar timing.

Of note: Gonzalez shares an agent with Seahawks star cornerback Devon Witherspoon, who is also extension-eligible this offseason. Their timing could be intertwined because both players have the ability to become the highest-paid cornerback.

4. The excitement surrounding A.J. Brown is growing.

Brown has only been on the team for two weeks, but he flashed throughout minicamp. Brown made multiple impressive catches, as he continues to build his rapport with Maye. Vrabel emphasized the spring is basically a passing camp, so it’s easy for Brown to shine in this setting with no pads and no contact. But budding chemistry with Maye is an early positive.

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