Commanders Could Eye Versatile Safety Jaylinn Hawkins as Secondary Reinforcement
Jaylinn Hawkins isn’t the flashiest name on the free agent market, but don’t let that fool you-he’s coming off a quietly stellar season in New England, and teams looking to bolster their secondary depth would be wise to take notice. At 28 years old, the former Falcons fourth-round pick has carved out a reputation as a smart, adaptable safety who brings value across multiple roles.
In his second year with the Patriots, Hawkins took a major leap forward. He finished the 2025 season as the fifth-highest graded safety in the league, per Pro Football Focus, and posted an eye-popping 87.1 run-defense grade-second-best among all safeties. That kind of production suggests a hard-hitting box safety, but Hawkins showed he’s far more than just a downhill enforcer.
The snap distribution tells the full story: 524 snaps at free safety, 201 in the box, and another 93 in the slot. That’s the kind of versatility defensive coordinators dream about. He’s not just filling gaps-he’s playing chess on the back end, adjusting to whatever the offense throws at him.
Hawkins was a key cog in a Patriots defense that ranked eighth in the league, and his four interceptions marked a career high. He brought veteran poise to a unit that thrived on discipline and assignment soundness-traits that would be a welcome addition in Washington, where the defense often looked out of sync in 2025.
With a projected market value of just $2.2 million AAV, Hawkins could be a cost-effective solution for a Commanders secondary that needs both depth and leadership. He’s not a headline-grabber, but he’s the type of player who helps stabilize a defense-especially one trying to find its identity under a new regime.
Cornelius Lucas Struggles in Cleveland After Commanders Departure
Cornelius Lucas’ post-Washington chapter hasn’t gone according to plan. After leaving the Commanders following the 2024 season, the veteran tackle signed on with the Browns, hoping to bring experience and stability to their offensive line. Instead, he’s become the poster child for a free agent signing gone wrong.
According to Pro Football Focus, Lucas was Cleveland’s worst offseason addition in 2025. The Browns’ offensive line tied for 30th in pass-blocking grade, and Lucas didn’t do much to help.
Filling in for injured starters on both sides of the line, he posted a rough 42.7 overall grade and gave up 29 pressures in just 193 pass-blocking snaps. That’s a far cry from the level of play Washington fans saw during his time in D.C., where he was a steady presence in a rotational role.
At 34, it’s fair to wonder if Lucas has hit the proverbial wall. The Browns structured his deal with an easy out, and with new head coach Todd Monken now calling the shots, Lucas’ future in Cleveland is very much in doubt. Cutting him would save the team $1.83 million-money that matters when quarterback Deshaun Watson’s cap hit is set to balloon to $80.71 million.
Cowboys Expected to Tag George Pickens After Breakout Season
The Cowboys aren’t letting George Pickens go anywhere-not yet, anyway. According to reports, Dallas plans to place the franchise tag on the wide receiver, effectively keeping him in Big D for at least one more season while they work on a long-term deal.
And why wouldn’t they? Pickens just wrapped up a breakout campaign, hauling in 90 catches for 1,409 yards and nine touchdowns-all career highs. He’s become exactly what the Cowboys hoped for when they traded a third-round pick to acquire him: a dynamic, physical playmaker who can stretch the field and win contested catches.
Team executive Stephen Jones made it clear that the front office is thrilled with Pickens’ development, calling him a player who’s exceeded expectations and someone they want to build around. While the tag locks him in for 2026, the Cowboys will likely continue working toward a multi-year extension to keep him in the fold long-term.
Dallas has 15 unrestricted free agents this offseason, including Pickens, running back Javonte Williams, and defensive end Jadeveon Clowney. But locking up Pickens, even temporarily, gives the offense a vital piece to lean on as they look to stay competitive in the NFC East.
Giants TE Prospect Sam Roush Brings Old-School Skill Set to 2026 Draft
Sam Roush isn’t going to light up the combine with jaw-dropping athleticism, but for teams looking for a classic “Y” tight end-think in-line blocker with reliable hands-he checks a lot of boxes.
Roush projects as a sturdy, dependable option who can handle the dirty work in the trenches while offering enough pass-catching upside to keep defenses honest. He may not be the ideal fit for teams that rely heavily on 11 personnel or are looking for a hybrid mismatch weapon, but in the right system, he could thrive.
Whether he develops into a starter or settles in as a strong TE2 will likely depend on how he tests athletically and which team calls his name on draft day. Either way, he brings a high floor and a skill set that still holds plenty of value in today’s NFL.
Falcons Expected to Release Kirk Cousins Ahead of League Year
Kirk Cousins may be on the move again. The veteran quarterback is expected to be released by the Falcons before the new league year begins in March, per league sources. The move would give Cousins the freedom to explore his next step-whether that’s continuing his playing career, stepping into a TV role, or even retirement.
Cousins and the Falcons recently restructured his deal, slashing his 2026 base salary from $35 million to $2.1 million while pushing the remaining $32.9 million into 2027. That figure would become fully guaranteed if Cousins is still on the roster in mid-March, making a release the likely outcome.
The four-time Pro Bowler has historically done well in free agency, landing fully guaranteed deals in both Minnesota and Atlanta. And while he’s shown interest in broadcasting-making a postseason appearance on CBS’ pregame show-he remains open to playing if the right opportunity presents itself.
If Cousins is cut, it would further cloud the Falcons’ quarterback situation. Michael Penix Jr., the team’s 2024 first-round pick, is still recovering from a torn ACL and may not be ready until late in the 2026 season. The new regime in Atlanta has yet to commit to Penix as the long-term answer, and Cousins’ departure would only raise more questions about what direction they’ll take under center.
Ryan Pace Out in Atlanta Amid Front Office Overhaul
The Falcons’ front office shakeup continues. Ryan Pace, who served as Atlanta’s vice president of football operations and player personnel, is no longer with the organization. The move comes as part of a broader restructuring under Matt Ryan, who has taken on a front office role following the firing of GM Terry Fontenot.
Pace had been with the Falcons for four years and is best known for his stint as the Bears’ general manager from 2015 to 2021. Before that, he spent over a decade with the Saints. With Atlanta entering a new era, the team is clearly moving in a different direction at the executive level.
Press Taylor Promoted to Offensive Coordinator in Chicago
The Bears are keeping things in-house with their latest coaching move, promoting passing game coordinator Press Taylor to offensive coordinator. Taylor replaces Declan Doyle, who left to take over as the Ravens’ OC.
Taylor won’t be calling plays-that responsibility remains with head coach Ben Johnson-but he’ll play a key role in crafting the weekly game plan and helping to maintain the offensive momentum from a 2025 season that saw Chicago put up its highest point total since 2013.
At 38, Taylor is considered one of the rising minds in the league. His promotion ensures continuity for a Bears offense that took a big step forward last season-and one that’s expected to keep evolving under Johnson’s leadership.