New Patriots linebacker considered an absolute steal after shocking release

With Jerod Mayo and Eliot Wolf proclaiming the Patriots would be aggressive in picking up players via the waiver wire, fans had high expectations regarding who they could be rewarded with. The assumption was they would be heavily claiming offensive linemen since that appears to be their weakest area, and they did exactly that.

But they also added two standout defensive players, one of whom is already being labeled a jackpot pick for the rebuilding team.

Linebacker Curtis Jacobs, who spent the offseason with the Chiefs, went undrafted this year and impressed throughout the summer with the Super Bowl Champions. He was touted as an elite athlete from a school known for developing star linebackers and was expected to become a significant part of Kansas City's defense.

His three years as a starter at Penn State made him pro-ready, which made going undrafted incredibly shocking to those who watched his college career.

Jacobs' athleticism was on full display throughout the preseason, racking up 8 tackles, 3 run stops and 2 tackles for a loss on 71 defensive snaps and adds great special teams experience to his resume, as well.

Because of his impressive performance, it was shocking that the Chiefs were not retaining him. It was later revealed that they intended to sign him to the practice squad, but since the Patriots had the third spot on the waiver wire, they scooped him up, quickly becoming the steal of the offseason.

Patriots' addition of Curtis Jacobs could be their latest jackpot hit for the roster

With so many takes circulating the new regime's roster decisions ahead of the 2024 season, it's rare when a collective opinion from fans and reporters agrees on a player's addition. But that's been the case so far with 22-year-old Jacobs, and he has a significant opportunity to prove exactly why he's already considered a jackpot addition.

It also says a lot when Chiefs fans mourn the loss of a promising young linebacker who they hoped would become a fixture within the team's defense, as Arrowhead Addict editor Matt Conner reflects.

"For a team that had three rookie free agents make the final cut, it's interesting to note that Curtis Jacobs was the one they were fired up about most when they first signed him after the draft. Jacobs came to the NFL with three seasons of starts at linebacker for the Nittany Lions and was honorable mention All Big-Ten after the last two years. He went undrafted due to limitations against the run, as he profiled much better as a coverage linebacker at the next level.

That said, Jacobs was literally the first player in training camp most days for the Chiefs in St. Joseph and proved to be a sponge for the coaches. His preseason performance against the run was decent, and he earned solid marks across the board from PFF as a defender.

It was a shock to Chiefs Kingdom that Jacobs wasn't retained, but the Chiefs only kept five linebackers, and Dave Toub, the special teams coach, squeezed one of his favorites into that final spot. It's not surprising at all that Jacobs was claimed."

The Patriots have a long list of young players to be excited about, with most emphasis being placed on Drake Maye and Ja'Lynn Polk, rightfully so.

However, it looks like we can add another player to the list with Jacobs, who is in the right place at the right time with a legendary linebacker as his new head coach.

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