The start of free agency has been a bit slow for the New England Patriots, although their signings so far have been impactful. There are plenty of roster holes left to be addressed, but they just added another superstar that could really boost their defense to a new level, as they just announced safety Kevin Byard is reuniting with Mike Vrabel on a one-year deal.
Byard is coming off a season in which he led the league with 7 interceptions for the Bears, and, even better, he leads the league with 36 interceptions since he was drafted in 2016, so he will inevitably be a force for the Patriots' defense.
However, this paints a grim future for Jaylinn Hawkins in New England, despite putting together a phenomenal year in 2025.
As one of their most valuable free agents this offseason, Hawkins was expected to be highly sought after once free agency began. Three days in, he remains unsigned, but that doesn't necessarily mean there is a lack of interest, even from the Patriots.
However, they just signed a seasoned veteran who will inevitably be a starter, likely alongside Craig Woodson. So that left Hawkins on the outside, and now he's signing a two-year deal with the Ravens.
Jaylinn Hawkins is immediately replaced on the Patriots' roster
Adding a ball-hawk safety like Byard to the defense is not a move most Patriots fans will deem to be negative. That doesn't mean, though, that they'll be happy to see Hawkins suit up elsewhere next season.
The 28-year-old had the best season of his career in 2025, and because of that, was universally deemed an automatic re-signing for Eliot Wolf. Byard's contract put that in doubt, even if Hawkins could have still filled a role in the safety room and ensured they had the best group in the NFL.
Kevin Byard vs Jaylinn Hawkins last season (via PFF):
— Carlos A. Lopez (@LosTalksPats) March 11, 2026
Byard (32)
🔹7 Interceptions (League-High)
🔹77 Tackles
🔹20 Stops
🔹71.6 Coverage Grade
🔹82.4 Run Defense Grade
Hawkins (28)
🔹4 Interceptions
🔹57 Tackles
🔹13 Stops
🔹74.7 Coverage Grade
🔹79.7 Run Defense Grade pic.twitter.com/jDJNPwFEJ9
He did earn a nice new contract, and that was probably something the Patriots weren't interested in giving him. The only silver lining might have been that Byard signed a one-year deal, and they could have kept Hawkins around longer than that, given his age.
That wasn't in the cards for him, however, and now he will continue his career with the Ravens, who are loading up to be contenders again in 2026.