Patriots sign longtime acquaintance of the Falcons in free agency
The Patriots are reportedly signing Jaylinn Hawkins, a former Falcons safety, according to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo.
After being waived after just six games, the former fourth-round pick of the 2020 NFL Draft was claimed by the Chargers and went on to play 10 games for Los Angeles.
The 26-year-old was anticipated to start the 2023 season as Richie Grant and Jessie Bates’ main backup, likely entering the game in large nickel packages, but he never managed to make it onto the field. He played the majority of his snaps with the Falcons in Week 3, totaling 11.
Even though the Falcons had plenty of experience starting, it was unexpected that they passed on him given the lack of depth at the position. However, the defensive staff of the organization felt confident in DeMarcco Hellams, a 2023 seventh-round pick, and it worked out. Hellams eventually replaced Grant as the starting pitcher.
With Jerod Mayo as his new head coach, Jaylinn Hawkins now arrives in New England. Mayo has low hopes for the Patriots going into the 2024 campaign.
