Patriots Make Quiet Signing That Is Suddenly Getting Noticed

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Fans gather outside Gillette Stadium before a New England Patriots game. Foxboro officials are delaying approval of upcoming events as they push the Kraft Group to cover rising public safety costs.

The New England Patriots reached an agreement with UDFA linebacker Khalil Jacobs on Friday. Sports Illustrated’s Ethan Hurwitz reported this.

Jacobs is an interesting prospect. He comes to New England after a successful career with the Tigers. The playmaker had a productive season in 2025 as a team captain. He recorded 47 tackles, five of them for loss, and three sacks. As Hurwitz notes, he tallied a 74.5 offensive grade from Pro Football Focus.

The Patriots showed interest in Jacobs throughout the course of the pre-draft process. The organization then had a virtual meeting with him following the pro day.  They went to his pro day in late March. The team followed up with him on April 9 as they hosted Jacobs at Gillette Stadium for a top-30 visit. USA Today’s Arye Pulli reported this.

Patriots LB Had Decorated College Career

Jacobs began his career at South Alabama, joining the school in 2022. He broke out in his sophomore season as he was a leader on a South Alabama defense that ranked 15^th nationally. The unit was also tied for the third -most fumbles in college football. On a personal level, Jacobs had a strong year. He recorded 56 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, three forced fumbles, and an interception.

His talents were enough for the SEC. That, combined with defensive coordinator Corey Batoon leaving, led the pair to Missouri. Jacobs thrived with the Tigers as well. The playmaker suffered an arm injury in 2024, and his season was done by Week Six. With that being said, it set him up for a bounce-back year in 2025, as he played at a high level. He appeared in all 13 games, recorded 47 tackles, five tackles for loss, and three sacks.

Now, Jacobs will look to take his talents to the NFL. He should fit nicely on a patriots linebacking unit that is already strong. The unit is headlined by veteran Robert Spillane. However, additional depth is certainly needed.

What Can He Bring To Patriots?

Jacobs brings athleticism and versatility to the Patriots’ defense. He has the ability to play both in the box and on the line of scrimmage. This is certainly helpful for a Patriots’ defense that is looking to upgrade their pass-rushing capabilities. They tried to fix this during the draft, by selecting Gabe Jacas with the 55^th overall pick. Nevertheless, additional help is welcome for a team that lost one of its best pass-rushers in K’Lavon Chaisson.

In addition, he should be able to help on special teams. He played an ample amount of special teams at Missouri. PatsPulpits’ Bernd Buchmasser reported this. Patriots have always prided themselves on having defensive players form at a high level on special teams. Jacobs could have the opportunity to do that here.

In any event, this is a very low-risk, high-reward signing. At the very least, the Patriots could get depth at the linebacker spot. The position took some hits with injuries last year, and depth was quickly tested. The departure of Jack Gibbens earlier this offseason makes the position even more important to focus on. Jacobs has the potential to come in and contribute right away.