The New England Patriots’ 2026 free agency class may lack distinct star power, but it does include several key contributors particularly on defense. Among them is safety Jaylinn Hawkins, who was tied for the team lead in interceptions last season and ranked third in defensive snaps.
Despite the Patriots falling short in Super Bowl LX, Hawkins will enter next month’s free agency with momentum on his side. But while that will likely dictate his asking price, his preferred landing spot is clear.
“I want
to remain here for sure,” Hawkins told reporters at locker room cleanout on Tuesday. “This is home, man. What we built here I feel like is special.”
Is he optimistic that the two teams will come to an agreement?
“We’re going to have to see. I hope it does,” he said. “We’ll have to see when that time comes. Obviously, it’s going to come up pretty quickly.”
Hawkins first joined the Patriots on a one-year free agency contract in 2024. Originally serving as a third safety and core special teamer, he returned on another one-year pact worth $1.8 million.
The former fourth-round draft pick, who played for the Falcons and Chargers before arriving in New England, lived up to the deal and then some. He took over a starting role in training camp and ended up appearing starting all 15 of the regular season games he appeared in as well as all four of the Patriots’ playoff contests.
Even though the Patriots ended up losing the Super Bowl to the Seahawks, Hawkins enjoyed a successful second season with the team.
“I’m thankful for this year,” he said.
“I appreciate the coaches for just allowing me to come in and compete. That’s the biggest thing for me, allowing me to come and compete. I appreciate that more than anything, because it’s an opportunity. I appreciate being around this group of guys on the backend and being around the coaches. They helped me out tremendously as well and we all stuck together.”
