The New England Patriots are in decent shape entering free agency, as there seems to be mutual interest between the organization and all of its internal free agents.
It’s just not that easy…
If the club intends on truly getting over the hump, difficult decisions will need to be made regarding some of those players — though there isn't much of a choice when it comes to Jaylinn Hawkins.
Can you afford to lose him after his career year? Will there be chances to make upgrades? What will it take to bring him back?
Let's take a look!
Bio:
Jaylinn Hawkins
Position: S
Height: 6’
Weight: 208lbs
Age: 28 (Aug. 25, 1997)
2025: 19 G, 4 INT, 1.5 SACKS, 6 PBU, 86 TKL
The Patriots should bring back Jaylinn Hawkins because:
I just don't know how you don't run it back with Hawkins and Craig Woodson.
Hawkins was superb playing in yet another new system in 2025, finally finding his footing after playing for seven different defensive coordinators across stints with the Atlanta Falcons, Los Angeles Chargers and New England. It's almost as if the simplicity of a system that heavily relied on schemed pressure helped him play fast and free -- as it would just about anybody.
Woodson, on the other hand, had one of the most impressive rookie seasons of any player in recent memory to come through these parts -- as he not only played more snaps than anyone else on the defense (950) but he also led the entire NFL in postseason tackles (30), tackles for loss (4) and pass deflections (5).
It's pretty simple when you look at the numbers...
The Patriots should not bring back Jaylinn Hawkins because:
New England likely won’t make any sweeping changes to the defense, but there is a chance that responsibilities will change now that there’s an official search underway to replace defensive coordinator Terrell Williams — even if they go with the expected elevation of interim defensive coordinator Zak Kuhr.
If they elect to run more complex coverages, perhaps you’d like someone with more versatility? If they get lighter in the front-seven, perhaps there’s room to add size on the back end? If their primary needs are met through free agency, what is stopping them from making a flashy pick in the secondary (Toledo’s Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Pitt’s Kyle Louis) during the 2026 NFL Draft?
Hawkins was a perfect fit for what this club wanted to do in 2025 — there just might be a chance he isn’t for what they want to do in 2026.
Prediction:
Jaylinn Hawkins re-signs with the New England Patriots.
If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
The Patriots have done well to build an extremely impressive (if not dominant) defensive unit, so there isn't much of a point in trying to upgrade the third biggest need on that side of the football. I'd imagine there will be a strong push in bringing aboard a game-changing pass-rusher, as well as someone who can add athleticism at off-ball linebacker, before they even think about replacing their safety duo.
More NFL: Patriots Offseason Preview: Everything Team Must Address In 2026