Jaylinn Hawkins, a free agent, is joining the Panthers, providing Carolina with much-needed depth at safety.
Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network reports that Hawkins and the Panthers reached an agreement for a single season. The former Cal Golden Bear joined the NFL in 2020 after the Atlanta Falcons selected him in the fourth round of the draft.
He had his greatest season with the Falcons in 2022. Hawkins played the third-most defensive snaps on the squad during that time and started 16 games. A total of 84 tackles, 45 of which were solo, two interceptions, and six passes defensed were recorded by him.
Hawkins contributes significantly to special teams as well.
Last October, he was released by the Falcons. That cleared his waivers so the Chargers could sign him. And now he’s returning east to try to earn a job on the Panthers so he can play NFC South football once more.
