The Patriots are signing several outside free agents as they work to build a competitive team under new head coach Mike Vrabel, but they are also retaining some of their own players. Safety Jaylinn Hawkins is one of those players. According to Mike Reiss of ESPN.com, Hawkins has agreed to a one-year, $2.5 million contract to stay with the Patriots.
Hawkins played in every game last season, starting seven. He recorded 48 tackles, three tackles for loss, a pass deflection, and a fumble recovery. Originally drafted by Atlanta in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL Draft, Hawkins played 48 games for the Falcons before being waived in 2023. He was picked up by the Chargers, where he appeared in 10 games. Over his career, Hawkins has totaled 183 tackles, four interceptions, half a sack, one forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries.
