The Patriots enter free agency this offseason in a much better position than many teams around the league, especially after just appearing in the Super Bowl, as they don't have many of their top names set to hit the market. That means most of their winning team will return unless they're cut or traded, but there are a few players who analysts view as priority re-signings, the top candidate being safety Jaylinn Hawkins.
The 28-year-old earned a spot on the 2026 roster after an impressive first season in New England the year before, becoming a full-time starter and difference-maker for their secondary. He recorded the best season of his career so far in 2025, totaling 71 combined tackles, three for a loss, four interceptions, six passes defended, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, and 1.5 sacks.
That kind of production inevitably raises his price tag going into free agency, and although it would be wise for the Patriots to keep him around, even Hawkins has said he wants to stay with the team, that may not become a reality.
That's why ESPN's Matt Bowen believes there is a perfect replacement if Hawkins walks in Seahawks' star Coby Bryant. In fact, the writer insists would actually be an upgrade.
There's a good chance Jaylinn Hawkins doesn't re-sign with the Patriots, and they'll need to find his replacement
Breaking down the top-50 free agents and where they would fit best this year, Bowen slots Bryant with the Patriots, citing the possible loss of Hawkins as the reasoning, yet also stating that Bryant would be an upgrade, at least on paper.
"The Patriots could lose starting safety Jaylinn Hawkins to free agency, and Bryant, who had four picks with Seattle last season, is an upgrade. In coach Mike Vrabel's defense, Bryant could play the post or match in split-field alignments. He's also an urgent downhill defender in the alleys."
Over the last two seasons, Bryant has become a force for Seattle's defense, recording 139 combined tackles, five for a loss, two quarterback hits, seven interceptions returned for 130 yards and a touchdown, 13 passes defended, and two forced fumbles in 32 games.
That's far more production than what the Patriots have gotten out of Hawkins during that span, but he also wasn't a full-time starter until this past season, so it's not entirely fair to compare their statistics.
However, Bowen believes that Bryant's rise proves he's a more impressive candidate to add to the Patriots' defense, fitting the kind of player Mike Vrabel looks for, and there's a chance he will go mostly under the radar in free agency, especially compared to Hawkins.
This will be Bryant's first free agency since he was drafted in 2022, and that could certainly work in the Patriots' favor, even if they can afford a heftier contract.
If they're not willing to pay Hawkins the kind of contract he's earned, then Bryant makes a lot of sense and should be seriously considered for the role. The secondary has become one of the Patriots' strongest units, if not already their best, so adding a player like Bryant would ensure that continues this fall.