The New England Patriots have strengthened their defensive backfield by signing veteran safety Jaylinn Hawkins, according to a report from NFL Network on Thursday morning. Hawkins, who is 26 years old, played for the Los Angeles Chargers last season.
His contract with the Patriots is reportedly a one-year deal that qualifies for the veteran salary benefit, meaning he will be paid based on his four credited seasons but will count less against the salary cap if he makes the team.
Hawkins was selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL Draft after playing four collegiate seasons (and one redshirt year) with the California Golden Bears.
He made an impact during Atlanta’s Week 6 game against the San Francisco 49ers in 2022, recovering a fumble in the end zone for his first career touchdown and recording an interception in the same game.
During his three seasons with the Falcons, Hawkins recorded 121 total tackles, nine passes defensed, and four interceptions, starting in 22 of 48 games played.
He was waived by Atlanta last October and claimed by the Chargers, where he played in 10 games, making three starts, and recording one pass breakup and assisting on seven tackles.
The Patriots’ safety duo of Kyle Dugger and Jabrill Peppers had a strong season last year, with Peppers putting up Pro Bowl-worthy numbers and Dugger leading all defensive backs in total tackles.
Jalen Mills and Adrian Phillips also contributed to the safety rotation, with Phillips playing a leadership role despite a reduction in his defensive snap counts.
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