The New England Patriots’ safety group underwent a massive overhaul in 2025. Even though veterans Kyle Dugger and Jabrill Peppers both entered training camp in their established starting spots, neither was much of a factor by the time the regular season rolled around: Peppers was released shortly after roster cutdowns and Dugger sent to Pittsburgh ahead of the trade deadline.
With the two longtime starters no longer part of the picture, the Patriots turned to Jaylinn Hawkins and Craig Woodson as their top two at the position. One season later, more change might be on the horizon.
Advertisement
Patriots safety depth chart
Jaylinn Hawkins: Hawkins re-signed with the Patriots in free agency and originally projected as the third option behind Dugger and Peppers, a role he held for large parts of 2024 as well. However, he played his way to the top of the depth chart over the summer and never looked back. When all was said and done, he had started all 19 of the games he appeared in and either tied or set career marks in interceptions (4), forced fumbles (1), fumble recoveries (1) and sacks (1.5). Hawkins rarely left the field and proved to be a key piece in the New England defensive backfield due to his deep-field abilities and skills as a communicator. | UFA
Craig Woodson: The Patriots selected Woodson in the fourth round of the draft, reuniting him with his one-time Cal teammate Hawkins. Unlike the veteran, the rookie was available every game of the season, making 19 starts out of 21 games. While a bit more volatile in his performance, he still had plenty of good moments and finished the year with an three fumble recoveries and an interception. His 1,203 snaps also ranked first on the team. | Signed (2029 UFA) | $1.27M cap hit
Dell Pettus: With Hawkins and Woodson hoarding snaps atop the safety depth chart, and with cornerback Marcus Jones the preferred nickel, Pettus played a smaller role than he had during his 2024 rookie campaign. However, he still played a valuable role as a package player — he registered a sack and forced fumble — and served as a core special teamer. In fact, his 416 snaps in the game’s third phase were tied for the team lead. | Signed (2027 RFA) | $1.08M cap hit
Advertisement
Brenden Schooler: Speaking of leading the team in special teams snaps, Schooler was the other player to make it to 416 snaps in the kicking game. His season was not just a success because of that number, though. He also was voted a captain for the first time in his career and recorded 20 tackles. While he failed to earn the All-Pro and Pro Bowl recognition he received the previous year, and his defensive impact decreased as well, he still had a good season overall. | Signed (2028 UFA) | $3M cap hit
John Saunders Jr.: The Patriots signed Saunders Jr. off the Dolphins’ practice squad in late October, and later added him to their own developmental roster. However, he ended his rookie campaign without seeing any playing time. | Signed (2027 ERFA) | $1.01M cap hit
Patriots offseason preview
The Patriots moved on from both their starting safeties last year, and with Jaylinn Hawkins an unrestricted free agent might be in for more turnover at the very top of the depth chart. That said, there is some interest from both sides to keep working together, even though New England seems willing to let him test free agency in order to get a feel for what his market looks like.
Advertisement
If Hawkins leaves Foxborough, the Patriots obviously would have a massive hole to fill in their starting lineup. But even if he is retained, the safety spot is one that could benefit from being further upgraded.
Hawkins and Craig Woodson are a solid starting tandem, but both would likely benefit from the presence of a true No. 1 — somebody to take pressure off of them and allow for a more varied usage of the safety corps as a hole. Obviously, players like that do not grow on trees and are not cheap to acquire.
However, it is also no stretch of the imagination that the group as a whole would be better off with Hawkins and Woodson getting some help and playing more specialized roles on defense.
Read the full article here