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New England Patriots executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf addressed several things when he met with the media on Tuesday, including the free agent status of veteran safety Jaylinn Hawkins.
Hawkins came to the Patriots in March 2023 and quickly became a key component of the defense. He started in 15 games and recorded 71 total tackles last season, while also racking up four interceptions, 1.5 sacks and a forced fumble. The veteran defender had a productive season for a position that needed additional support with the departures of Kyle Dugger and Jabrill Peppers.
The Patriots would like to have Hawkins back in 2026, but they also seem fine with letting him walk if the price point gets too high for their liking.
“He’s earned the opportunity to see what’s out there, but he’s certainly someone that we would welcome back," Wolf said on Tuesday, via Boston Herald's Doug Kyed.
If Hawkins doesn't return, the Patriots would have to search for a replacement to play next to Craig Woodson, who broke out as one of the team's best defenders throughout the playoff run. They could choose to address the position in either free agency or the 2026 NFL Draft.
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This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: Eliot Wolf welcomes free agent DB back to Patriots but won't commit
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Hawkins came to the Patriots in March 2023 and quickly became a key component of the defense. He started in 15 games and recorded 71 total tackles last season, while also racking up four interceptions, 1.5 sacks and a forced fumble. The veteran defender had a productive season for a position that needed additional support with the departures of Kyle Dugger and Jabrill Peppers.
The Patriots would like to have Hawkins back in 2026, but they also seem fine with letting him walk if the price point gets too high for their liking.
“He’s earned the opportunity to see what’s out there, but he’s certainly someone that we would welcome back," Wolf said on Tuesday, via Boston Herald's Doug Kyed.
Patriots EVP Eliot Wolf on FA S Jaylinn Hawkins: “He’s earned the opportunity to see what’s out there, but he’s certainly someone that we would welcome back.”
— Doug Kyed (@DougKyed) February 24, 2026
If Hawkins doesn't return, the Patriots would have to search for a replacement to play next to Craig Woodson, who broke out as one of the team's best defenders throughout the playoff run. They could choose to address the position in either free agency or the 2026 NFL Draft.
Follow Patriots Wire on Twitter and Facebook.
This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: Eliot Wolf welcomes free agent DB back to Patriots but won't commit
Continue reading...