The Patriots have had their eye on this prospect for some time and have signed him as an undrafted free agent.
Missouri linebacker Khalil Jacobs could have gone to multiple teams during the NFL draft, as his name came up multiple times. However, nobody took him throughout the three days of draft weekend, and then the New England Patriots eventually came calling.
Jacobs and the Patriots were no strangers to each other. The organization and the draft prospect spoke many times, and Jacobs even came by for a Top 30 visit before the draft.
No invite was ever sent to Jacobs to attend the NFL Combine; however, many teams besides the Patriots showed interest in him, including the Green Bay Packers, New York Jets, San Francisco 49ers, Indianapolis Colts, Arizona Cardinals, and the New York Giants.
Jacobs began his collegiate career at South Alabama. In 2023, he had a phenomenal year, recording 56 total tackles, 3 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, and 1 interception. He then entered the transfer portal, where he landed at Mizzou.
2024 was a season of setbacks for him with an arm injury in Week 6 of the season. However, in 2025, he recorded 47 total tackles, two pass deflections, and three sacks.
Jacobs' overview in the draft was that he's a great open-field tackler; he works well as a third-down linebacker, as he plays better off the line and on the move against the pass. A key flaw is that he needs to strengthen his zone play and be better at playing the ball.
Lastly, one key factor that may keep him in Foxborough for years to come is that he works well on special teams. Before Jacobs can make a run as the guy in that linebacking corps, Jacobs may see a lot of reps on special teams, which is always a plus when you're a New England Patriot, as the team always prides itself on special teams.
Jacobs' contract allows him to earn a spot on the team in some capacity. Whether on the active roster or the practice squad, training camp and preseason are going to be key if he will remain a Patriot throughout the 2026 regular season.
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