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.