Ethan HurwitzAug 12, 2026
Hurwitz makes bold predictions for the Patriots' 2026 preseason: UDFA receiver Cameron Dorner plays their way onto the practice squad, second-round rookie Gabe Jacas posts at least two sacks, and Christian Gonzalez finally signs their contract extension before Week 1.
Published in writing · Sports IllustratedRead the original
What Ethan Hurwitz said
our reading, beside the words we read it fromRegardless, I predict that Gonzalez heads into Week 1 with some heavier pockets.
- Where it was published
- Sports Illustrated
- The piece
- Five Bold Predictions for Patriots Preseason: Does Drake Maye Struggle?
- The original
- Read the original
- Read it wrong?
- Tell us and we will look
- 1Cameron Dorner to land on the practice squad“He's been a consistent target for rookie quarterback Behren Morton on the third-string offense and could easily play himself into a practice squad spot by the end of the month.”
- 2Gabe Jacas to record 2 sacks“Gabe Jacas Records 2+ Sacks”
- 3Christian Gonzalez to sign a new deal with New England Patriots“At some point this summer, the cornerback will agree to terms with his long-awaited contract extension... Regardless, I predict that Gonzalez heads into Week 1 with some heavier pockets.”
Box score
HitCloseMissWaiting| Verdict | Call | Kind | What happened | Score | Naive | Skill |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cameron Dorner to land on the practice squad1 | Roster Spot Calls | — | — | — | — | |
| Gabe Jacas to record 2 sacks2 | Player Season Numbers | — | — | — | — | |
| Christian Gonzalez to sign a new deal with New England Patriots3 | Contract Calls | — | — | — | — | |
| 3 calls · 3 waiting | — | — | ||||
How each call scored
3 checkable claims — 1 contract call, 1 player season number and 1 roster spot call — each graded on its own rather than as one all-or-nothing call.
It names 4 players and teams, each linked to their own record.
None of them have settled yet — they grade once their results are in.
Each call is scored 0 to 100 against what happened, on its own, by the published methodology. The naive guess is what knowing nothing would have scored on the same calls; the gap, weighted by how hard the call was, is the skill.
1Roster Spot CallsCameron DornerNew England Patriots
Cameron Dorner to land on the practice squad
VerdictWaitingNot settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
2Player Season NumbersGabe JacasNew England Patriots
Gabe Jacas to record 2 sacks
VerdictWaitingNot settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
3Contract CallsChristian GonzalezNew England Patriots
Christian Gonzalez to sign a new deal with New England Patriots
VerdictWaitingNot settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Who this take is about
Others on the same people
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More contract calls
The same kind of call, about other players and teams.
Adam Schefter · Contract Calls · Dallas Goedert · Waiting
Schefter wrote that Dallas Goedert stays in Philadelphia after the deadline and could even re-sign with the Eagles for 2027.Spencer German · Contract Calls · Jared Verse · Waiting
Picked Houston to beat Cleveland in Week 10 by a final score of 24-20, expecting a one-score game decided by the Texans' pass rush overwhelming a struggling Browns offensive line. Also suggested that a strong second half from Jared Verse would lead the Browns to pick up the fifth-year option.John Middlekauff · Contract Calls · C.J. Stroud · Waiting
Middlekauff previewed Week 11, projecting the Commanders to finish with six or seven wins and the Giants with eight or nine, naming four AFC teams as playoff locks, and picking the Chiefs, Texans, Steelers and 49ers to win their games. Also predicted a top-15 draft slot for Charlie Becker and an eventual big contract for C.J. Stroud if the Texans finish strong.Tom Pelissero · Contract Calls · C.J. Stroud · Waiting
Pelissero picked the Jaguars as the AFC team to like most, said Lamar Jackson will not be cut or traded by Baltimore, and argued C.J. Stroud is heading for a contract that would make him the league's highest-paid quarterback at around $65 million per year.Nate Gosney · Contract Calls · Daiyan Henley · Waiting
After the Broncos rescinded the trade, Gosney expects Daiyan Henley to remain with the Chargers for the rest of the 2026 season, but believes the awkward fallout has effectively killed any chance of them signing a new contract with Los Angeles after the season.