The New England Patriots have a good problem on their hands at the safety position with a lot of depth.
With training camp starting to wind down, the Patriots will have tough decisions to make. However, C.J. Gardner-Johnson’s injury with the Houston Texans could make one easier as Liam Rebellato of Last Word on Sports believes Jaylinn Hawkins could now be a trade candidate.
“The New England Patriots are already deep at safety with Kyle Dugger, Jabrill Peppers and Marcus Epps,” wrote Rebellato, who didn’t even mention rookie fourth-rounder Craig Woodson. “Hawkins started seven games last year and held up well in his playing time. The former fourth-round pick by the Atlanta Falcons began his career on special teams and worked his way into a rotational safety role with starting experience. He’s a versatile player who can line up deep or drop into the box to stop the run. The Texans could take a chance on the 27-year-old, who has starting upside and would come at a very low cost.”
Hawkins would likely see very little playing time in New England this season except on special teams assuming he doesn’t fall victim to a roster cut. It would make sense for the Patriots to try and get something in return if they know he is a cut candidate internally.
The 27-year-old safety has played 75 games in the NFL with 32 starts. With Gardner-Johnson’s injury reportedly not season ending, Hawkins would be an ideal candidate to slot in on a short-term basis for the Texans.
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