"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."
"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."
"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 New England Patriots signed veteran safety Kevin Byard on a one-year deal to reunite with Mike Vrabel, bolstering their defense with a ball-hawk who led the league with 7 interceptions in 2024 and holds 36 interceptions since 2016. This signing displaced Jaylinn Hawkins, who had an exceptional 2025 season and was expected to be re-signed. Despite Hawkins' career-best performance with 4 interceptions and strong coverage grades, the Patriots' acquisition of Byard as a starter alongside Craig Woodson left no room for Hawkins, who subsequently signed a two-year deal with the Ravens. While Byard's addition strengthens the defense, Patriots fans expressed disappointment at losing Hawkins.
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