The Patriots have safety depth, but that doesn’t mean they won’t want to add another quality player to their secondary.
The team heads into this offseason with Kyle Dugger in the second year of a four-year contract and Jabrill Peppers starting a new three-year deal. They also have Marte Mapu signed through 2026.
Upcoming free agent, Jaylinn Hawkins, helped man the free safety spot and provided ample depth to the position. Although the team has two solid veteran safeties, they lack a true veteran-free safety. That’s an area that could be improved this offseason through free agency.
Peppers turns 30 next season. Dugger turns 29 this offseason. The Patriots could look to add a veteran safety, who excels in deep coverage, to the mix. Here are five free-agent options:
Jevon Holland
If the Patriots want to make a free-agent splash, Jevon Holland is a name to watch. He’s one of the top names expected to hit the open market next week. Pro Football Focus has graded Holland as one of the top five safeties in the NFL in two of his four NFL seasons. He turned 25 this week and can be one of the better free safeties in the league. He finished with 64 tackles and four pass breakups last season.
Julian Blackmon
If the Patriots are looking for a bona fide starting free safety, Julian Blackmon would be a good choice. The 26-year-old, drafted in the third round in 2020, has been a ball-hawking safety for the Indianapolis Colts. He’s played both strong and free safety in the NFL. Last year, he finished with 86 tackles and three interceptions. In 2023, Blackmon made 88 tackles, eight pass breakups, and four interceptions. New Patriots cornerback coach Justin Hamilton was with Blackmon in Indy last season.
Damar Hamlin
Hamlin would give the Patriots someone who’s both an inspiration and a good deep safety. After suffering cardiac arrest in a game in 2023, Hamlin returned strongly last season for the Buffalo Bills. He finished with 89 totals, five passes defended, and two interceptions. He had 91 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and two pass breakups in 2022.
Jason Pinnock
If the Patriots want a free safety with experience, they could look at Jason Pinnock. Claimed off waivers by the New York Giants in 2022, Pinnock developed into an NFL starter. He started every game played in New York over the last two seasons. Last year, he finished with 85 tackles and three sacks. In 2023, the free safety amassed 85 tackles, two sacks, and two interceptions. Patriots inside linebackers coach Zak Kuhr was on the Giants roster last season.
Mike Brown
If Vrabel wants to bring in a familiar face to add depth to his safety room, then Mike Brown would be an ideal fit. An undrafted free agent in 2022, Brown signed with Vrabel’s Titans team in 2023, off Cleveland’s practice squad. He played in nine games for Vrabel and new Patriots safeties coach Scott Booker. Last year, in Tennessee, Brown played in all 17 games, finishing with 49 tackles and a pass breakup.
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