OTAs - Players opting not to participate

[JoeSixPat]

Once again for some of these players, we should all recognize they'd be stupid to risk injury in OTAs given that they are up for an extension and/or trade

The entire coaching staff and front office understand this - and in fact, if Boutte is part of the Brown trade, they don't want him risking injury any more than they want AJ Brown to attend Eagles OTAs (which of course, he did not, which the Eagles completely understand and frankly, endorse.)

For Gonzo, we may all feel he has an obligation to play for $2.8 million this year - and he does. But he'd be risking a $100 million plus contract by participating in OTAs - so "Nope" - The Pats aren't going to extend him if he blows an ACL in practice before the deal is done.

Again, the entire organization understands this - though I have a feeling this deal will get done soon after the Brown trade (and potentially Boutte trade) is done - but before mandatory practices.

Look at the timetable for Sauce Gardner last year - it didn't happen until mid-July.

Gonzo just better hope they don't give him a Sauce Gardner deal where they can trade him with no cap hit within a year after signing him.

 

[jmt57]

Regarding the discussion here on whether or not a player should participate, prior to signing his rookie contract:

Think back to when Tyrone McKenzie blew out his knee on the first day of rookie minicamp.

Initially there was a lot of speculation (especially by fans of other teams) that the Patriots would screw him over.

That did not happen. If I recall correctly, there is either a clause the players sign beforehand, or perhaps an NFLPA agreement, that teams will give the player a contract based on his drafted position in the event they get injured. Whatever the monetary difference is, it will be relatively minimal.

tl;dr: Gabe Jacas should be in camp.
As for UDFA Kyle Dixon, there has to be something substantial we are not yet aware of.
I can't some up with any other reasonable explanation.

 

[ctpatsfan77]

Initially there was a lot of speculation (especially by fans of other teams) that the Patriots would screw him over.

That did not happen.

If I recall correctly, there is either a clause the players sign beforehand, or perhaps an NFLPA agreement, that teams will give the player a contract based on his drafted position in the event they get injured.

The closest I can think of is this line: "A Club that drafts a player shall be deemed to have automatically tendered the player a four-year NFL Player Contract for the Minimum Active/Inactive List Salary for such League Years."

I believe this was changed after Stryker Sulak [cut by Raiders before signing his rookie deal, got nothing] and Sergio Kindle [head injury due to narcolepsy; despite being picked in the second round, ended up with a one-year minimum tender]. That said, those salaries aren't guaranteed, so . . .

 

[DaBruinz]

Ian posted an article about the OTAs, and who was not present... Yes, it is voluntary, but at least two of the no shows left me with a "eh, wtf bro" type feeling...

first. the article, if you have not read it...

Patriots OTAs: Vrabel Confirms Multiple Key Players Missing Wednesday | PatsFans.com

Patriots coach Mike Vrabel confirms multiple key players, including Christian Gonzalez and Harold Landry, are missing voluntary OTAs.

www.patsfans.com

The list of no shows:
Carlton Davis, Kayshon Boutte, Mack Hollins, Christian Gonzalez, Gabe Jacas, Kyle Dixon, and Harold Landry

Jacas, more like Jackass... and Kyle Dixon... Two rookies opt out of camp... one of them an udfa wr... is Dixon hurt? recovering from an off season injury/surgery? did he get pelted upside the head with a rather large rock?

They aren't "opting out of Camp." OTAs are not camp, Pape. The article said they weren't there the day the article was written. That doesn't mean they won't be there at some point.

No. Jacas isn't a Jackass. Did you bother to read what Vrabel stated. They've been in communication with all the guys who aren't there? Or does that not make a difference to you. Clearly there is a reason and it's not our business what that reason is.

 

[DaBruinz]

The closest I can think of is this line: "A Club that drafts a player shall be deemed to have automatically tendered the player a four-year NFL Player Contract for the Minimum Active/Inactive List Salary for such League Years."

I believe this was changed after Stryker Sulak [cut by Raiders before signing his rookie deal, got nothing] and Sergio Kindle [head injury due to narcolepsy; despite being picked in the second round, ended up with a one-year minimum tender]. That said, those salaries aren't guaranteed, so . . .

I asked in a different thread and didn't see an answer. Didn't there used to be a rule about College Seniors who hadn't graduated yet participating in Pro activities like OTAs?

EDIT: The NFL has a rule that College seniors may not participate in Team Activities until their College's academic year is over. Illinois' academic year was over on May 16th. Which would explain why Jacas wasn't there for Mini-camp from the 8-10th.

It doesn't explain why he isn't at the start of OTAs. Hopefully, it will be rectified sooner than later.

 

[ctpatsfan77]

I asked in a different thread and didn't see an answer. Didn't there used to be a rule about College Seniors who hadn't graduated yet participating in Pro activities like OTAs?

EDIT: The NFL has a rule that College seniors may not participate in Team Activities until their College's academic year is over. Illinois' academic year was over on May 16th. Which would explain why Jacas wasn't there for Mini-camp from the 8-10th.

The stupidest thing about that rule is that it holds even if the player has already graduated.

 

[Pape]

They aren't "opting out of Camp." OTAs are not camp, Pape. The article said they weren't there the day the article was written. That doesn't mean they won't be there at some point.

No. Jacas isn't a Jackass. Did you bother to read what Vrabel stated. They've been in communication with all the guys who aren't there? Or does that not make a difference to you. Clearly there is a reason and it's not our business what that reason is.

you know i was talking about otas and not training camp .... and yes, jacas is a jackass for not going to the otas... hes a rookie ffs and, honestly **** what vrabel says about it... he literally cannot say "you need be here jackass" because of the cba... it really doesn't help when he skippied the rookies camp - he was there in body, but didn't do anything ...

maybe i am wr-wr-wr... incorrect here, but I am starting to get the impression that hes a "water cooler guy" from gabe jacas ... "can't make the club from the tub" vibe... have not seen any of the "warrior" mentality yet...

its a dumb decision for hm jacas and dixon to skip out on the otas... what separates their choice from the other no shows is that they are rookies.... they "should" attend as many of the pre-season otas / camps / practices as possible because right now they know nothing...

they will be here "at some point" isn't good enough - not after how last year ended... the whole blase attitude from rookies really chaps my ass... rookies skipping out on things like otas will never get the benefit of the doubt the same way a veteran player who has prior experience in our system will...

my 2 cents, ymmv

 

[Triumph]

Gonzo is 100 percent about his contract. At least….as 100 percent I can be not knowing a damn thing for sure.

I would surmise that Gonzo wants to be the highest paid CB in the NFL.

Everybody is looking at this Cornerback Contracts and Salaries | Over The Cap

 

[1960Pats]

The "O" in OTA stands for optional. If the owners want it to be mandatory then they need to bargain that into the CBA.

 

[farn]

Not obligatory. They do not need to report. I don't begrudge.

 

[DaBruinz]

you know i was talking about otas and not training camp .... and yes, jacas is a jackass for not going to the otas... hes a rookie ffs and, honestly **** what vrabel says about it... he literally cannot say "you need be here jackass" because of the cba... it really doesn't help when he skippied the rookies camp - he was there in body, but didn't do anything ...

maybe i am wr-wr-wr... incorrect here, but I am starting to get the impression that hes a "water cooler guy" from gabe jacas ... "can't make the club from the tub" vibe... have not seen any of the "warrior" mentality yet...

its a dumb decision for hm jacas and dixon to skip out on the otas... what separates their choice from the other no shows is that they are rookies.... they "should" attend as many of the pre-season otas / camps / practices as possible because right now they know nothing...

they will be here "at some point" isn't good enough - not after how last year ended... the whole blase attitude from rookies really chaps my ass... rookies skipping out on things like otas will never get the benefit of the doubt the same way a veteran player who has prior experience in our system will...

my 2 cents, ymmv

You have no clue why he's not there. Your expectations of players is ridiculous. The fact you think that Jacas is a Water Cooler guy is so far beyond absurd that you are starting to sound like Captain Stone and State.

It's hilarious that you ignore that the LEAGUE RULES prevented him from being at Mini-camp. You have no idea what Jacas KNOWS. Claiming he "knows nothing" is ridiculous. You're acting like he wasn't given the play-book and hasn't been at the facilities at all.

Your statement about how last year ended is absurd. The rookies have no skin in that. There is no "blase" attitude. That's you projecting garbage.

 

[Pape]

You have no clue why he's not there.

either do you. The fact that there has been no "he's recovering" or "he's hurt" report / leak pretty much says it all...

Your expectations of players is ridiculous.

i expect them to practice and play. You think that's ridiculous? good grief man.

The fact you think that Jacas is a Water Cooler guy is so far beyond absurd that you are starting to sound like Captain Stone and State.

Never said he was a water cooler guy... i said thats the impression i'm starting to get... he builds up expectations. then no shows? **** that, he doesn't get the benefit of the doubt yet... His own words:
"Someone that's very dependable, someone that's going to bring the energy and the juice to the team. And someone that is an all-out motor player. That's the player they can expect."
then no-showed in every preseason program to date... So, its not absurd to call him out... I wanna see that guy... i wanna see if he brings the heat... See if he has anon stop motor... All he does is no show / stand around at the water cooler... maybe he should have kept his trap shut, instead...

Gabe Jacas should be there. Period. End of story.

 

[UrbanCowboy]

It's kind of funny/perverse that we have multi-millionaires playing a game, who are dis-incentivized to actually play the game.

 

[PatsfanTN]

I would surmise that Gonzo wants to be the highest paid CB in the NFL.

Everybody is looking at this Cornerback Contracts and Salaries | Over The Cap

Oh I don’t have a doubt that he will set the market. Question is, will it be with the Patriots or someone else? Hopefully he stays.

 

[ctpatsfan77]

The "O" in OTA stands for optional. If the owners want it to be mandatory then they need to bargain that into the CBA.

It stands for "organized," not optional. That said, the CBA does specify [for what little it's worth] that teams cannot use attendance at OTAs, or lack thereof, as a factor in roster decisions.

 

[Triumph]

Oh I don’t have a doubt that he will set the market. Question is, will it be with the Patriots or someone else? Hopefully he stays.

BB nailed that pick. Now the hard part is here.

Gonzo is worth top dollar. Opposing QBs avoid throwing at him, so his opportunities for INTs are limited. Throughout a game you don't hear his name mentioned as he quietly shuts down his side of the field. Dude makes those around him better.

 

[Brotherblues]

Don't buy it.

Jacas was pick 55.

Picks 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 42, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 56, 58, 59, 60 62, 63 and 64 are all signed.

2026 NFL Draft Pick Signings | The Football Database

View the signing status for players selected in the 2026 NFL Draft

www.footballdb.com

There should be no "second round contract battles". 28/33 2nd round picks are already signed. How much of a battle can 55 be when everyone on both sides of you has already established contract parameters?

Jacas needs to sign and get his ass on the field, and start working towards his second contract.

You'd think the contract for 55 just writes itself at this point.

 

[Headcase]

Don't buy it.

Jacas was pick 55.

Picks 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 42, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 56, 58, 59, 60 62, 63 and 64 are all signed.

2026 NFL Draft Pick Signings | The Football Database

View the signing status for players selected in the 2026 NFL Draft

www.footballdb.com

There should be no "second round contract battles". 28/33 2nd round picks are already signed. How much of a battle can 55 be when everyone on both sides of you has already established contract parameters?

Jacas needs to sign and get his ass on the field, and start working towards his second contract.

And the fights are about how much of the contract is guaranteed.....neither of the guys on either side of Jacas are fully guaranteed, so it shouldn't be that hard.

Interestingly pick 54 got like 82% guaranteed
pick 56 got 79%

call it 80.5 for Jacas and call it a day.

 

[Headcase]

nesn dropped a small article, saying he might be waiting for devon witherspoon to sign a new deal first...

Patriots Get Unfortunate Christian Gonzalez Extension Update | NESN

The New England Patriots have not come to terms on an extension with Christian Gonzalez yet, but a new report suggests he may be waiting for a while to get paid.

nesn.com

It is always interesting that they have the same agents......one of those guys is going to be the highest paid CB, the other will be the 2nd highest.

 

[PatsfanTN]

BB nailed that pick. Now the hard part is here.

Gonzo is worth top dollar. Opposing QBs avoid throwing at him, so his opportunities for INTs are limited. Throughout a game you don't hear his name mentioned as he quietly shuts down his side of the field. Dude makes those around him better.

In your opinion, you think the Pats pony up?