Patriots Super Bowl Opponent an ‘Upgrade’ Over Jaylinn Hawkins

Free agency was kind to the New England Patriots in 2025, but the process could take a different turn this year if the AFC Champions lose a key starter on the back end, somebody they could replace with a member of Super Bowl LX opponents the Seattle Seahawks.

Safety Jaylinn Hawkins could move on during this NFL free-agency cycle, but ESPN’s Matt Bowen believes Seahawks defensive back Coby Bryant “who had four picks with Seattle last season, is an upgrade.”

Bowen explained Bryant’s fit in the defensive schemes preferred by Pats head coach Mike Vrabel. Specifically, how 26-year-old Bryant is able to “play the post or match in split-field alignments. He’s also an urgent downhill defender in the alleys.”

Bryant’s credentials are first-rate, but Hawkins was one of the hidden gems on a tough New England defense. He performed above expectations last offseason, prompting Vrabel to jettison two big names at the position, before Hawkins formed a formidable tandem with another diamond in the rough, 2025 NFL draft fourth-round pick Craig Woodson.

It’s a partnership Vrabel and general manager Eliot Wolf may deem worthy of keeping together. Then the Patriots could focus on dedicating their ample salary cap space to addressing some pressing needs, like wide receiver and the offensive line.

Jaylinn Hawkins Helped Change Patriots Defense

Hawkins had a transformative effect on the Patriots’ defense. He helped the unit establish a clear identity as a creation of Vrabel and his new staff.

The transition was accelerated by Vrabel severing ties with two safeties who personified the defensive philosophy of former Pats head coach, six-time Super Bowl winner Bill Belichick.

Heavy-hitting duo Jabrill Peppers and Kyle Dugger were both let go because Hawkins and Woodson emerged as credible starters. Hawkins justified the status and show of faith by snatching four interceptions, making 70 tackles and logging 1.5 sacks during the regular season.

Those numbers are why underrated Hawkins is expected to cash in during free agency. He said all the right things about unity and wanting to return after the Patriots were beaten 29-13 by the Seahawks at Levi’s Stadium, but Hawkins may not get to make that call if Vrabel and Co. judge Bryant to be a better bet.

Cody Bryant a Worthy Option in Free Agency

Bryant is somebody the Patriots have to consider after the way he thrived in the multiple-defensive back packages the Seahawks favor. The four-year pro matched Hawkins’ interception total and broke up seven passes, despite playing more as a supporting act to primary safeties Julian Love and multi-faceted rookie Nick Emmanwori.

Bryant upped his game during the playoffs, when he didn’t allow a reception on 74 coverage snaps en route to the Super Bowl, according to The 33rd Team, citing Next Gen Stats.

Those impressive numbers were produced while Bryant played in a secondary lacking the talent at cornerback the Patriots can boast. That’s thanks to shutdown ace Christian Gonzalez, Super Bowl LV champion Carlton Davis III and All-Pro slot corner Marcus Jones.

Adding Bryant and his comfort playing nickel to this group would make the Pats scary on the back end. It may be enough to encourage Vrabel and Wolf to thank Hawkins for the memories.

James Dudko covers the New York Giants, Washington Commanders, New England Patriots and Baltimore Ravens for Heavy.com. He has covered the NFL and world soccer since 2011, with bylines at FanSided, Prime Time Sports Talk and Bleacher Report before joining Heavy in 2021. More about James Dudko