"When the New England Patriots released former starting safety and team captain Jabrill Peppers in late-August and then later traded away their other starter at the position from 2024, Kyle Dugger, in late-October, part of the reasoning behind the moves was the improvement of Jaylinn Hawkins. These decisions have paid off for the team, as Hawkins has gone from a role player and special teamer during the previous year to one of the NFL's top five safeties in 2025, according to Pro Football Focus' rankings."
"Hawkins' breakout campaign has come while playing on a one-year/$1.8 million contract, and the Patriots should not blink when it comes time to give the California product a well-deserved pay raise that keeps him in New England. In 2025, Hawkins posted career highs (or tied his previous best total) in interceptions (four), pass deflections (six), sacks (1.5), tackles for loss (three), and forced fumbles (one), despite missing two contests with a hamstring injury."
Jaylinn Hawkins rose from a role player and special teamer to one of the NFL's top five safeties in 2025 per Pro Football Focus. The Patriots released Jabrill Peppers and later traded Kyle Dugger amid confidence in Hawkins. Hawkins produced career highs in interceptions (four), pass deflections (six), sacks (1.5), tackles for loss (three), and forced fumbles (one) while recording 71 tackles and missing two games with a hamstring injury. Hawkins played on a one-year, $1.8 million deal. Comparable safeties secured three-to-four year contracts averaging $13–17 million per season, suggesting Hawkins could command a similar raise.
Read at Musket Fire
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]