At the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, New England Patriots executive vice president of player personnel, Eliot Wolf, didn't waste time addressing the hot topic on everyone's mind: safety Jaylinn Hawkins, one of the team's top free agents.
Wolf is fully aware of the talent Hawkins brings to the table and the potential suitors lining up for him in free agency. Yet, his comments suggest that the Patriots are keen on keeping Hawkins in New England.
"Hawkins is a free agent," Wolf noted, "and he's earned the opportunity to see what's out there. But he's certainly someone that we would welcome back."
The Patriots' desire to retain Hawkins is understandable. He was a key piece in their defense, which ranked fourth in scoring defense and eighth in total yards. His versatility-whether playing deep, in the slot, or in the box-made him an invaluable asset.
Hawkins' journey from a special teamer to an every-down player in 2025 was remarkable. He tallied 71 tackles, six pass deflections, five quarterback hits, four interceptions, 1.5 sacks, and a forced fumble across 15 games. His performance earned him an impressive Pro Football Focus grade of 82.4, placing him fifth among 98 qualified safeties.
With such a strong season, Hawkins is poised to explore his options and secure a lucrative contract. However, both he and the Patriots seem eager to continue their partnership. Hawkins expressed his desire to remain in Foxborough following the Patriots' Super Bowl LX loss to the Seattle Seahawks.
There's clear motivation on both sides to finalize a deal, and with New England projected to have the 10th-most cap space in the league, an agreement seems within reach, especially given Wolf's comments.
Spotrac estimates Hawkins, 28, could earn around $8.3 million annually on his next contract, a figure that wouldn't even place him in the top 20 at his position. If he maintains his current level of play, that salary could prove to be a steal for the Patriots.