Patriots Agree With Jaylinn Hawkins On One-Year Deal
The New England Patriots and former Atlanta Falcons/Los Angeles Chargers safety Jaylinn Hawkins agreed to an undisclosed one-year deal on Thursday, according to a source. Hawkins' deal qualifies for the veteran salary benefit. If he makes the team, he would be paid a base salary based on his credited seasons (four) but count less on the salary cap. The 26-year-old was a former fourth-round pick by the Falcons in 2020 out of California and spent last year with both the Falcons and Chargers, finishing with 14 tackles (six solo) in 16 games (three starts). He will operate as a depth option for New England's secondary in 2024 behind Jabrill Peppers and Kyle Dugger. In his five-year NFL career, Hawkins has 135 tackles (72 solo), half a sack, four interceptions, 10 passes defensed, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery returned for a touchdown in 58 games (25 starts).
The Atlanta Falcons released safety Jaylinn Hawkins on Tuesday. Hawkins, who started 16 games for the Falcons and recorded 84 tackles and two interceptions in 2022, will now be free to sign with another team. The move comes as a surprise as Hawkins had been a stalwart in the Atlanta secondary since they used a fourth-round draft pick on him in 2020. That being said, Hawkins wasn't getting as many snaps under new defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen in 2023. Still just 26 years old, Hawkins should land with a new team in short order. Rookie DeMarcco Hellams should see a larger role behind Jessie Bates and Richie Grant for the Falcons with Hawkins out of the picture.
The Atlanta Falcons have selected California safety Jaylinn Hawkins with the No. 134 selection in the fourth round. He's a distinctive playmaker with solid ball skills and quickness in coverage. Hawkins recorded 53 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss and two sacks during the 2019 season. He most likely won't start right away in 2020, but he should see chances on the field. Hawkins could end up being a game-changing safety with the right development.
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