PATRIOTS FREE AGENTS: Jaylinn Hawkins
NOTABLE EXTERNAL FREE AGENTS: Coby Bryant SEA, Alohi Gilman BAL, Bryan Cook KC, Jalen Thompson ARI, Kam Curl LAR.
POSITION ANALYSIS: The Patriots remade their safety position last season, with rookie Craig Woodson leading the way alongside veteran Jaylinn Hawkins. The duo started almost every game for the Pats, with Hawkins having a career season and Woodson coming on as one of the defense's best players down the stretch and into the playoffs.
Hawkins was primarily a special teamer and part-time defensive player in his first season with the Patriots, but last year, as the scheme evolved under Mike Vrabel, he suddenly became an every-down player. He set career highs in interceptions (four) and sacks (1.5) while tying career highs as a starter for the Falcons in 2022 in passes defensed (six) and solo tackles (45). Now, Hawkins is set to hit free agency, opening up a significant starting position on the defense.
With Woodson showing excellent strides late in his rookie year, it's a great sign that the team can continue to build around him. He and Woodson had natural chemistry from their college days at Cal, and keeping continuity on the back end has definite appeal.
The external free agents also have some intrigue. Coby Bryant had a strong Super Bowl that should earn him extra money in free agency, while Alohi Gilman's addition in Baltimore helped turn the Ravens defense around. Both have the necessary athleticism to do everything the Patriots defense would ask of them.
As far as depth, Dell Pettus found himself playing some meaningful snaps along the way last season as the third safety but was mostly a core special teamer, while John Saunders Jr. spent 2025 behind the scenes after the Pats signed the rookie off Miami's practice squad in late October. Both should push for playing time in 2026, but it's fair to wonder if retaining only Hawkins, or only signing someone to replace Hawkins, would be enough to maintain depth.
Hawkins and his starting spot should be addressed in free agency, but a mid-round selection in the draft would also make sense as the defense tries to build out their subpackages.
DISCLAIMER: The views and thoughts expressed in this article are those of the writer and don't necessarily reflect those of the organization. Read Full Disclaimer
