Editor’s note: In the coming days, we’ll be rolling out the best free-agent fits for the Patriots at key positions. So far, we have analyzed edge rushers, offensive tackles, tight ends and wide receivers. Today, we look at five impactful safeties New England should consider in free agency.
The New England Patriots made one of the best picks in the 2025 NFL Draft when they selected California safety Craig Woodson in the fourth round.
Woodson proved to be one of the league’s best defensive rookies and a potential star for many years. The bad news for the Patriots is they don’t have much depth behind Woodson at safety.
Jaylinn Hawkins had a breakout season for the Patriots in 2025, but he’s an unrestricted free agent. Even if Hawkins re-signs, the Patriots should still bolster their depth at safety.
They have plenty of draft capital (11 picks in 2026) to address this need, but there are plenty of good players in free agency, too.
Here are five free agent safeties who would be a good fit in New England.
1. Jaylinn Hawkins, New England Patriots
Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images Jaylinn Hawkins had a breakout season for the Patriots in 2025.
2025 stats: 71 tackles, 1.5 sacks, four INT, six pass breakups
Hawkins had his best year as a pro in 2025, playing a key role on a Patriots defense that ranked as a top-10 unit during the regular season and enjoyed a stellar playoff run.
The 28-year-old safety tallied career highs with 1.5 sacks, four interceptions and six pass breakups. He played 82.2 percent of the Patriots’ defensive snaps, which was the third-most on the team. He also earned an 86.1 run defense grade from Pro Football Focus, which ranked third-best among all safeties. His 79.0 coverage grade ranked eighth-best among safeties.
Hawkins has great chemistry with Patriots safety and former Cal Bears teammate Craig Woodson. Keeping that duo intact should be a priority for New England this offseason.
2. Kevin Byard, Chicago Bears
Brad Rempel-Imagn Images
Brad Rempel-Imagn Images Kevin Byard knows Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel well.
2025 stats: 93 tackles, zero sacks, seven INT, eight pass breakups
Byard is 33 years old and wouldn’t be a long-term solution for the Patriots, but he’s got plenty of playoff experience and is still an excellent player coming off a first-team All-Pro selection this past season. Byard led the league with seven interceptions and played a huge role in a very good Bears defense that helped Chicago earn a playoff spot with an 11-6 record.
And most notably, he knows Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel very well. Byard was in Tennessee for nearly all of Vrabel’s six seasons with the Titans, and the veteran safety enjoyed a ton of on-field success under Vrabel, including a first-team All-Pro honor in 2021.
Byard told Adam Hoge of CHGO Sports in January of 2025 that Vrabel “is definitely one of my all-time favorite coaches. Probably the smartest football mind I’ve been around.”
Should the Patriots reunite Vrabel and Byard? It would make sense given the roster need and the familiarity between them.
3. Bryan Cook, Kansas City Chiefs
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Steve Roberts-Imagn Images Bryan Cook has two Super Bowl rings with the Chiefs.
2025 stats: 85 tackles, zero sacks, zero INT, six pass breakups
Cook is one of the few free agent safeties worth spending big money to acquire. He’s right in the middle of his prime at 26 years old and is coming off a stellar season in which he ranked No. 6 among safeties with an 83.0 coverage grade from PFF. His 85 tackles and six pass breakups were new career highs.
Cook is an elite tackler and excellent in coverage. He’s a true difference maker in the secondary.
4. Coby Bryant, Seattle Seahawks
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images Coby Bryant was one of Seattle’s top defensive players in Super Bowl 60 against the Patriots.
2025 stats: 66 tackles, zero sacks, four INT, seven pass breakups
Bryant was an important player for the Seahawks’ elite defense, and he played quite well against the Patriots in Seattle’s Super Bowl 60 win. He set career highs with four interceptions and seven pass breakups in the regular season.
Bryant mostly played free safety in 2025 but he also saw plenty of snaps in the slot. He’s a versatile player who gives defensive coordinators a lot of options. Bryant is good in coverage (including against tight ends) and can stuff the run at a high level.
5. Kam Curl, Los Angeles Rams
David Banks-Imagn Images
David Banks-Imagn Images Kam Curl was one of the Rams’ best players last season.
2025 stats: 122 tackles, two sacks, two INT, five pass breakups
Curl’s 77.8 overall grade from PFF in 2025 ranked No. 11 among safties. He excelled against the run, earning an 87.9 run defense grade, which ranked No. 2 among safeties (including the playoffs) behind only Patriots rookie Craig Woodson.
Curl has missed only two games over the last three seasons and played 99.1 percent of the Rams’ defensive snaps in 2025, which easily led the team. He’s one of the most reliable safeties in the league and can be trusted with a heavy workload.
