The Seattle Seahawks beat the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl, but ESPN’s Matt Bowen thinks Seahawks free agent Coby Bryant would be a great fit on the Patriots.
Jaylinn Hawkins broke out as a star for the Patriots' defense this season, but he is now a free agent. After making just seven starts in 2024 and signing a one-year deal in the offseason, Hawkins started all 15 regular-season games he played in and four playoff games. As good as Hawkins was, Bryant would be a better player in the secondary.
“The Patriots could lose starting safety Jaylinn Hawkins to free agency, and Bryant is an upgrade,” Bowen wrote on Monday. “In coach Mike Vrabel's defense, Bryant could play the post or match in split-field alignments. He's also an urgent downhill defender in the alleys.”
Hawkins led the Patriots with four interceptions last season. Bryant also had four interceptions for the Seahawks. Bryant had a 54.0 passer rating when targeted. Meanwhile, Hawkins had a 71.2 passer rating when targeted.
Bryant will turn 27 later this year, while Hawkins will turn 29. Bryant is a younger player, and Mike Vrabel has already noted that one of the goals every offseason is finding younger, better players.
“As I was taught, we talk about the business of the NFL, the businesses, we’re looking for the better, younger, cheaper player every day, and the players that we have are trying to not let that happen,” Vrabel said in his final press conference with the media. “And that’s the dynamic, and that’s the business of the National Football League.”
Hawkins developed into a great piece for the Patriots' defense, but he could have interest from other teams in free agency. Bryant would be a younger, better replacement for him as the Patriots look to get back to the Super Bowl. He just won the Super Bowl for the Seahawks, so he will understand the commitment it takes to play on a team trying to win a championship.
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