Patriots reportedly signing free-agent safety Jaylinn Hawkins

Multiple sources confirm that the New England Patriots have reportedly signed free-agent safety Jaylinn Hawkins. NFL Network's Mike Garafolo had it first. 

Hawkins joined the league in 2020 as a fourth-round draft pick by the Atlanta Falcons. He remained there until the middle of October when he was waived and then claimed the next day by the Los Angeles Chargers. He finished the season with 14 tackles and one pass deflection. 

While he is listed as a safety, Hawkins has vast experience on special teams. He will fill sports left after the Patriots released veteran Adrian Phillips, while safety Jalen Mills went to the New York Giants in free agency. 

ESPN's Mike Reiss further reports that it is a 1-year deal for Hawkins. 

"Assuming Hawkins makes the team, this means he would be paid a base salary based on his credited seasons (4), but count less on the salary cap," Reiss wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.