The New England Patriots have enjoyed an instant turnaround from 4-13 to 11-2 largely because of their success in 2025 NFL free agency, with one underrated newcomer predicted to cash in when the veteran market reopens in 2026.
Safety Jaylinn Hawkins’ “contributions can’t be ignored” when assessing the Pats’ rapid rebuild, according to Bradley Locker of Pro Football Focus. Locker also believes “Hawkins has proven to be the franchise’s answer at the safety position. His 76.4 overall PFF grade sits 13th among qualified safeties. On top of that, Hawkins is one of three at the position with an 80.0-plus PFF run-defense grade and a 70.0 PFF coverage mark.”
Those numbers form a compelling case for the Patriots bringing Hawkins back to Gillette Stadium. Yet, there is precedent for veteran safeties getting paid in recent years, with Locker citing how “Tre’von Moehrig, Cam Bynum and Talanoa Hufanga cashed in solid pay last spring to the tune of $15 million or more per season. Hawkins very well may be next in line.”
Seeing Hawkins earn a significant pay bump from another team would sting the Patriots. Especially since head coach Mike Vrabel and general manager Eliot Wolf have been confident enough in Hawkins’ performances to ditch two prominent veterans at the position.
Jaylinn Hawkins Has Changed Patriots’ Plans at Safety
When the Pats snagged Hawkins on a one-year deal back in March 2024, it looked like nothing more than an under-the-radar deal to add depth. Instead, the 28-year-old has performed well above expectations.
Hawkins has been in on 50 tackles, logged 1.5 sacks and snatched a pair of interceptions. He’s proved to be a true “joker”-style playmaker at the position, showcasing the ability to impact offenses in all three phases.
A good example of Hawkins’ range was provided by this remarkable one-handed pick against the Cleveland Browns in Week 8.
The emergence of Hawkins as a true game-wrecker enabled the Patriots to feel comfortable about dumping starter Jabrill Peppers on the eve of the season. Peppers was let go because of an awkward scheme fit, and the same fate awaited another heavy hitter, Kyle Dugger, who rejoined his fellow safety after being traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers in late-October.
Dugger was playing on a bloated contract, but his downhill style and overt physicality didn’t fit what Vrabel wanted from the position. That’s not to say the Patriots are any less aggressive with Hawkins patrolling the back end.
Key Patriots Free Agent Still a Force
Dugger and Peppers were noted for their ability to tackle aggressively, but Hawkins has been no slouch in this area. He’s only been guilty of a mere three missed tackles this season, per Pro Football Reference, but too much aggression cost Hawkins recently.
A fine was levied against Hawkins for the first time in his pro career following Week 13’s 33-15 win over the New York Giants. The defensive back received additional punishment for a helmet-to-helmet collision with Giants tight end Theo Johnson.
It’s a rare blot on the copybook for Hawkins, but his generally exemplary play merits the Patriots making a strong effort to retain his services. Hawkins’ partnership with 2025 NFL draft fourth-round pick Craig Woodson has helped Vrabel’s defense successfully move on from Dugger and Peppers.
Breaking up this new partnership so soon would only create a problem the Pats don’t need.
