When the New England Patriots front office chose to sign three-time All-Pro safety Kevin Byard III to a one-year/$9 million deal instead of bringing back their incumbent starter at the position, Jaylinn Hawkins, it showed they believe last season's run to Super Bowl LX was no fluke.
While the 28-year-old Hawkins had his best season as a pro in 2025, finishing as the NFL's fifth-highest-rated safety by Pro Football Focus, his replacement, the 32-year-old Byard, likely gives the Patriots a better chance at making another deep postseason push in 2026.
Kevin Byard III more than offsets departure of Jaylinn Hawkins
Hawkins had a breakout campaign with the Patriots last season, totaling 71 tackles, 1.5 sacks, six pass deflections, a forced fumble, and a career-high four interceptions in the regular season, as he received an 82.4 overall grade from PFF.
However, he struggled at times during the postseason, earning a PFF overall grade of just 57.4 through New England's first three playoff games, and the team ultimately decided not to bet on the California product being able to sustain the highs he achieved last year, allowing Hawkins to depart on a two-year/$10 million contract with the Baltimore Ravens.
The Patriots instead brought in Byard, having more faith in his much longer track record of playing at a high level, as they made a move aimed at elevating their defense in the immediate future. With the Chicago Bears in 2025, the 10-year NFL veteran recorded 93 tackles, four tackles for loss, eight pass deflections, and a league-leading seven interceptions he returned for 91 yards.
Byard proved last year he still has plenty left in the tank even at this stage of his career, earning first-team All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors. He'll now be playing for the same man who coached him the last time the Middle Tennessee State product won both awards, Mike Vrabel.
The New England head coach led the Tennessee Titans in 2021 when Byard recorded 88 tackles, a sack, 13 pass deflections, two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery he returned 30 yards for a touchdown, and five interceptions he returned 66 yards, including one pick-six.
Adding a dangerous ball-hawker like Byard makes an already talented secondary, which includes 2025 Pro Bowler Christian Gonzalez, Carlton Davis III, Marcus Jones, and Craig Woodson, even more lethal.
While his age probably means the Patriots will be in search of Byard's potential successor during the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft, he's shown no signs of slowing down as of late and should be a major contributor for this squad with hopes of getting right back to the title game.
Hawkins may have another good year in 2026 as a member of Baltimore's now loaded safety room, but by opting for the experienced Byard, the Patriots are signaling they view themselves as legitimate contenders.