The [New England Patriots](https://www.patspulpit.com) re-signed safety Jaylinn Hawkins to a one-year contract worth up to $2.25 million, as first reported by ESPN’s Mike Reiss.
Hawkins joined the Patriots on a similar one-year pact in free agency last offseason. Taking an immediate role in New England’s secondary, Hawkins went on to play 55 percent of the team’s defensive snaps. Over half of his snaps come in a traditional free safety role next to Kyle Dugger as Jabrill Peppers was sidelined.
The 27-year old’s most consistent impact came in the kicking game as he played across five units. Hawkins’ 70 percent snap share on special teams trailed only Brenden Schooler and Marcellas Dial.
Back in the fold for 2025, Hawkins should remain an integral piece on special teams while he will rejoin a safety room with Dugger, Peppers, Marte Mapu, Dell Pettus, Brenden Schooler and Mark Perry.
Following the signing of Hawkins, New England has five remaining free agents on the open market. That includes kicker Joey Slye, edge Oshane Ximines, defensive lineman Daniel Ekuale, running back JaMycal Hasty, and offensive lineman Lester Cotton.