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Miami Dolphins defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick
The New England Patriots spent over $200 million on defensive acquisitions in the 2025 NFL free agency and the results worked out well.
The Pats defense was one of the best in the league, allowing just 18.8 points per game, the fourth-lowest, and allowed the ninth-fewest total yards per game in the league.
While the Pats’ defense improved from the previous season, New England has a bit more work to do after losing the Super Bowl against the Seattle Seahawks.
Adding Help On the Defense
GettyThe Patriots are named a landing spot for a former first-round pick
The Patriots’ defense held the Seattle Seahawks offense to 12 points after three quarters of the Big Game, with the offense failing to capitalize on the opportunity.
With the new league year just a few weeks away, the Patriots can begin retaining or adding new players to, now full-time defensive coordinator Zak Kuhr’s defense.
CBS Sports’ Bryan DeArdo names the Patriots as a landing spot for Miami Dolphins safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, who is currently being shopped around the league.
“New England may be in the market for a new free safety if Jaylinn Hawkins signs with someone else when free agency begins next month,” DeArdo wrote. “In Fitzpatrick, the defending AFC champions would be getting a talented defender who could complement cornerback Christian Gonzalez and [safety] Craig Woodson.”
“New England’s defense was largely exceptional last year, but one area where they struggled at times was in the red zone (they ranked 30th in the league in that area during the regular season). This is where Fitzpatrick’s ability as a ballhawk and run-stuffer could really come in handy… The big question here is whether the Dolphins would be willing to trade Fitzpatrick to a divisional foe. They probably wouldn’t unless the Patriots made them an offer they couldn’t refuse.”
Hawkins was a key member of the Pats defense, but adding a three-time first-team All-Pro is a no-brainer for most teams in the league.
Fitzpatrick was graded as the seventh-best safety in the league by Pro Football Focus, with a 78.3 coverage grade and 79.6 run defense grade, both inside the top 10 for his respective position.
The safety will have a cap hit of $18.8 million for the 2026 season, which could deter the Pats from making a move.
DeArdo did not drop a trade package for what it would take to land Fitzpatrick, but for a player of his caliber, it would take some Day 2 and early Day 3 selections of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Keeping Jaylinn Hawkins
GettyThe Patriots could opt to keep players who understand the defensive system
Jaylinn Hawkins had one of his best seasons as a professional under head coach Mike Vrabel and defensive coordinator Zak Kuhr, with the defender mentioning that he would like to remain with the team.
“I want to remain here for sure,” Hawkins told reporters, via SB Nation. “This is home, man. What we built here I feel like is special.”
The safety had an 82.4 overall grade from PFF, and also had better coverage and run defense grades compared to Minkah Fitzpatrick.
Retaining Hawkins will give the Pats a cheaper option, who already understands the defensive scheme.
It won’t cost the team a significant salary cap hit and won’t give away draft picks.
Jason Garcia Jason Garcia is a sports contributor for Heavy Sports who joined the team in 2025, covering the New England Patriots, Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers. More about Jason Garcia
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