The New England Patriots have had to make some difficult decisions this offseason. Top contributors from last season, like Stefon Diggs, Khyiris Tonga, K'Lavon Chaisson, and Jack Gibbens, have all departed, leaving some roster holes that are yet to be filled.
New England's free agency hasn't been bad in terms of adding talent. Alijah Vera-Tucker on an incentive-laden deal could pay major dividends, while the signing of Romeo Doubs adds a stable No. 2 option as New England looks to find an alpha at the receiver position.
One of the most well-regarded signings of the entire offseason was Kevin Byard's one-year, $8 million deal. Adding the 2025 interceptions leader and three-time All-Pro to a defensive backfield that already features Christian Gonzalez, Carlton Davis, and Marcus Jones only helps the rich get richer.
While the addition of Byard is exciting, it also means the departure of breakout safety Jaylinn Hawkins to the Baltimore Ravens. Hawkins had a career-high four interceptions to go along with 71 tackles this season, and with rookie safety Craig Woodson, formed a great duo on the back end of the season.
Jaylinn Hawkins named one of the best signings of free agency
At 28 and coming off a career year, it shouldn't come as a surprise that the signing of Hawkins to a two-year deal for just $5 million yearly is viewed as one of the best pickups of free agency. PFF's Ryan Smith certainly feels that way, as he listed Hawkins as one of the best under-the-radar signings of free agency thus far.
Aside from Hawkins' 2025 play, he fits what the Ravens want to do defensively. Versatility is a hallmark of historic Ravens defenses, and if Jesse Minter wants to continue that trend in Baltimore, adding Hawkins is a great way of doing just that.
He played at least 115 snaps at each of the free safety, box, and slot positions, a versatility that Alohi Gilman, who left for the Chiefs, was unable to offer in such droves.
During the first half of the season with the Chargers, the team for which Minter was the defensive coordinator, Gilman wasn't utilized in multiple roles. He instead was asked to be a pure free safety, playing 74% of his snaps deep. In Baltimore, when his play improved dramatically, he played only 45% of his snaps as a deep man.
Hawkins played 62% of his over 1,100 snaps as a deep man. With Kyle Hamilton offering versatility near the line of scrimmage, the former Patriot could be allowed to be more of a coverage player, with his versatility instead viewed as a bonus.
In terms of pay, Hawkins's $5 million yearly rate ranks him 33rd at his position in the league. He's 39th in guaranteed money, just half of his $10 million salary, and $3.7 million of that was guaranteed at signing. Hawkins outperformed all expectations in 2025, but his new contract is more than reasonable.
While the Patriots' adding Byard does improve their safety room, Hawkins will no doubt be missed.