The Ravens have lined up another piece of business in the secondary. Having already agreed to a re-signing with Chidobe Awuzie, a notable outside addition is coming. 
Safety Jaylinn Hawkins has agreed to terms with Baltimore, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports. This is a two-year deal, he adds. Hawkins played his way into a relatively strong market with his Patriots performances over the past two years. Hawkins will earn $10MM on this new pact, Schefter’s colleague Jeremy Fowler adds.
The 28-year-old was a key figure on defense and special teams during his first New England campaign. Hawkins then became a full-time starter in 2025, logging 838 defensive snaps (the second-highest total of his career). He recorded four interceptions, six pass deflections and 1.5 sacks while helping New England reach the Super Bowl. Mutual interest in a new Pats deal existed, but a departure will now take place.
Hawkins played on a series of one-year deals from 2023-25. The most lucrative of those was $1.8MM, so today’s news amounts to a considerable raise. A role as Baltimore’s No. 3 safety can be expected moving forward. The team has Kyle Hamilton attached to the position’s most lucrative contract, while Malaki Starks was selected in the first round of the 2025 draft.
During the opening period of free agency, however, Alohi Gilman (Chiefs) and Ar’Darius Washington (Giants) departed. That created the need for depth on the back end, and Baltimore has moved quickly in the new league year by adding Hawkins. If the former fourth-rounder can stabilize the Ravens’ secondary, this will prove to be an impactful addition. Baltimore struggled mightily against the pass during Zach Orr‘s tenure as defensive coordinator. He has been replaced by Anthony Weaver, while new head coach Jesse Minter will call plays on defense. The fit between his scheme and Hawkins will be interesting to see in 2026.
Have to wonder if he will pass his physical