Patriots Sign Very Promising UDFA LB To Address Team's Biggest Need
TL;DR
The New England Patriots have signed linebacker Khalil Jacobs as an undrafted free agent to strengthen their roster. This move aims to address the team's significant need at the linebacker position.
Key points
- Patriots signed linebacker Khalil Jacobs as an undrafted free agent
- Team aimed to address linebacker position
- Patriots selected Namdi Obiazor in the NFL Draft
Missouri Tigers linebacker Khalil Jacobs
Patriots Sign Very Promising UDFA LB To Address Team's Biggest Need originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The New England Patriots entered last month's NFL Draft with one glaring need: linebacker.
It took six rounds, but on day three of the draft, the Patriots finally addressed the position by selecting TCU hybrid backer Namdi Obiazor.
Obiazor is a prototypical nickel-type linebacker. At six-foot-two, 229 pounds, Obiazor tallied 302 tackles as a three-year starter in the Horned Frogs' defensive backfield. He will be a day one contributor for the Patriots' special teams unit and will earn snaps on defense by the end of the year.
However, that did not solve all of New England's problems in the position room. Linebacker depth took a major hit this offseason with Jack Gibbens signing with the Arizona Cardinals. Additionally, Anfernee Jennings and Marte Mapu each signed new contracts elsewhere, and Jahlani Tavai was released.
It is far and away the biggest weakness on the depth chart, but the Patriots might have just found another piece of the solution in Missouri linebacker Khalil Jacobs.
Ethan Hurwitz of SI broke news of the signing on Friday morning.
Jacobs led the Missouri Tigers' defense as a captain in 2025. He recorded 47 tackles and three sacks for the 25th-ranked team in the nation.
As an undrafted free agent, Jacobs is a long shot to make the final 53-man roster, but I believe in the SEC backer. He will be a buzzy name as preseason team activities ramp up.
More NFL:Â Patriots Rival Quarterback Makes Fool Of Himself With Terrible First Pitch Attempt
Q&A
Who is Khalil Jacobs and why did the Patriots sign him?
Khalil Jacobs is a linebacker from the Missouri Tigers, signed by the Patriots to enhance their linebacker corps.
What position did the Patriots prioritize in the NFL Draft?
The Patriots prioritized the linebacker position, selecting TCU hybrid backer Namdi Obiazor on day three of the draft.
What was the Patriots' biggest need entering the NFL Draft?
The Patriots' biggest need entering the NFL Draft was at the linebacker position.
