Ethan Hurwitz· Aug 12, 2026
Hurwitz makes bold predictions for the Patriots' 2026 preseason: UDFA receiver Cameron Dorner plays his way onto the practice squad, second-round rookie Gabe Jacas posts at least two sacks, and Christian Gonzalez finally signs his contract extension before Week 1.
“Regardless, I predict that Gonzalez heads into Week 1 with some heavier pockets.”
published in writing · Sports Illustrated · read the original →
3 checkable claims — 1 player season number, 1 roster spot call and 1 trade and signing call — each graded on its own rather than as one all-or-nothing bet.
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.
Where do you stand? Pick this and every open claim on Picks →
Who this take is about
3 checkable claims in this take
Each one is scored on its own against the published methodology. A pundit naming several outcomes is graded on each, not on all-or-nothing.
Cameron Dorner to make the roster
“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.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Gabe Jacas to record 2 sacks
“Gabe Jacas Records 2+ Sacks”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Christian Gonzalez to move to 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.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
What others said about the same people
- Julian EdelmanScore Predictions · New England PatriotsClose · 48Edelman picked the Patriots to win the season opener in Seattle, saying New England's offseason additions and the bad taste from the previous season would carry them, and gave a final score of 28-24.
- Connor "Boston Connor" CampbellGame Outcome Picks · New England PatriotsMiss · 0Boston Connor took the Patriots in the season opener against Seattle, framing it as a redemption spot after the Super Bowl loss.
- Darius ButlerGame Outcome Picks · New England PatriotsMiss · 0Butler initially picked Seattle but switched to the Patriots before the show ended; he also called the Colts a likely No. 1 seed, said Jacksonville sneaks into the playoffs, and expects Sam Darnold to land a new contract.
- Jason McIntyreGame Outcome Picks · New England PatriotsMiss · 0McIntyre takes the Patriots on the moneyline in the season opener at Seattle, picks the Jaguars over the Browns, and says Baker Mayfield's new deal keeps Tampa a perennial playoff team.
- Mike FlorioScore Predictions · New England PatriotsClose · 50Florio gives score predictions for every Week 1 game of the 2026 NFL season, including an opening-night upset by the Patriots in Seattle and narrow home wins for the Giants and Chiefs.
- Conor OrrGame Outcome Picks · New England PatriotsMiss · 0Orr's Week 1 straight-up picks, including several upsets (Patriots, Buccaneers, Browns, Dolphins, Commanders, Broncos).
More trade and signing calls
The same kind of call, about other players and teams.
- Chris BrockmanTrade and Signing Calls · Baker MayfieldHit · 100Brockman's season-preview overreactions: Fernando Mendoza becomes an Offensive Rookie of the Year finalist; Dak Prescott wins MVP and the Cowboys win the Super Bowl; Jesse Minter's Ravens win the AFC North; C.J. Stroud leads Houston to the AFC's No. 1 seed; Jonathan Taylor approaches 2,000 rushing yards; Baker Mayfield wins the NFC South, goes 12-5 and reaches the NFC title game while landing a $60 million-per-year deal; and Aaron Rodgers throws 35-plus touchdowns as the Steelers go 11-6 and win the North.
- Mike MoraitisTrade and Signing Calls · DaRon BlandHit · 100Moraitis names five Cowboys he expects to be playing their final season opener in Dallas in 2026: George Pickens (likely tag-and-trade or departure), Malik Hooker, Luke Schoonmaker, DeMarvion Overshown and DaRon Bland.
- Bucky BrooksTrade and Signing Calls · Keenan AllenHit · 100Brooks predicted J.J. McCarthy won't be on the Vikings' roster (traded or released), said Kyler Murray wins the Vikings' QB competition, made a series of 2025 award picks, made 2026 Heisman/draft projections including Arch Manning as the front-runner for the No. 1 overall pick, and said none of Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen or Joe Burrow win a championship this season.
- Jon GrudenTrade and Signing Calls · Baker MayfieldHit · 100The former Buccaneers head coach predicted that Tampa Bay and Baker Mayfield are closer on a new contract than believed and that an extension will get done.
- Joel CorryTrade and Signing Calls · Baker MayfieldHit · 100The unsigned CBS Sports analysis lays out the contract it believes Tampa Bay will have to give Mayfield at minimum: a two-year extension averaging $50 million per year with $110 million in guarantees and a no-trade clause.
- Seth WalderTrade and Signing Calls · Kayshon BoutteMiss · 0Walder proposes five trades he believes should happen before Week 1 of the 2026 season: Jessie Bates III to the 49ers, Kayvon Thibodeaux to the Patriots, Keon Coleman to the Colts, Walker Little to the Cardinals, and Kayshon Boutte to the Commanders, where he says Boutte would immediately be Washington's No. 2 receiver.