Will safety Jaylinn Hawkins return to the Patriots in 2026?
· Yahoo Sports
Is Jaylinn Hawkins inclined to return to the New England Patriots in 2026?
Hawkins will become an unrestricted free agent on March 11. The 28-year-old has career-highs in interceptions (4), forced fumbles (1), passes defended (6), sacks (1.5) and quarterback hits (5) to leverage in free agency this offseason. With an NFL market value of $8.3 million from Spotrac, Hawkins is projected to earn a higher annual salary in 2026 than he did on the one-year, $1.8 million deal he signed with the Patriots in 2025. But will the Patriots win the bidding war for Hawkins this year?
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According to the Boston Herald’s Doug Kyed, Hawkins wants to return to New England for next season.
“Patriots S Jaylinn Hawkins, who's now a free agent: ‘I really want to come back,’" Kyed reported.
Hawkins ranked No. 3 in the NFL in interceptions in 2025 with four picks and reached the Super Bowl with the Patriots. New England has already shed talent this offseason, with the release of wide receiver Stefon Diggs on Wednesday.
However, the Patriots are in the market for marquee free agents at wide receiver, as well as at defensive end. Re-signing with the Patriots in 2026 will prime Hawkins for his third season in New England. Patriots cornerbacks Christian Gonzalez, Carlton Davis III, Marcus Jones and safety Craig Woodson are all under contract until 2027, ensuring New England’s secondary for the next two seasons.
Hawkins' spot in New England’s secondary is secure for now. New England’s $60 million in cap space allows for the Patriots to potentially match or exceed Hawkins’ market value in a sensible move for both parties.
Jordy McElroy prediction: Hawkins re-signs with the Patriots in free agency
Matt Legros prediction: Hawkins departs in free agency
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This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: Will safety Jaylinn Hawkins return to the Patriots in 2026?