RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesJul 28, 2026; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots safety Craig Woodson (4) looks on during training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
The New England Patriots’ secondary was one of the best in the NFL in 2025, perhaps surprisingly given who they used as their starting safeties. Craig Woodson and Jaylinn Hawkins — a fourth-round rookie and a career backup — patrolled the team’s defensive backend, and they did a fine job.
However, the Patriots still decided to make a change by letting Hawkins leave in free agency and signing first-team All-Pro Kevin Byard to take his place. Four practices into their first training camp together, the pairing has looked solid.
Like the rest of the secondary, it also has been feeding off each other to build its chemistry.
“Feel really good about the secondary. We just got to continue to build and keep getting better,” said Byard.
For the 33-year-old, training camp is business as usual despite being his first in New England. For his young comrade, meanwhile, it is a chance to get an up-close look at one of the best safeties of his era and a player who led the NFL in interceptions in 2025.
That is particularly true off the field, where Woodson said he is watching everything from Byard’s film study to his training routine.
“I’m just watching his routine. It’s pretty good. He does the contrast, does the sauna, does the massages and everything else. That’s stuff that I’ve been doing as well, so we’re pretty similar when it comes to that,” said Woodson.
“In the film room, just hearing him break down things, what he’s seeing scheme-wise, and different coverages, and how he’s able to play stuff. Just hearing all that is just interesting to hear. I’m just trying to take it in as he keeps on spitting the game to me.“
For Byard, the process has been going well and he likes what he has seen from the second-year safety starting alongside him.
“He had the first pick of training camp, made a really good diving play on a tipped pass,” he said about Woodson. “He’s mature beyond his years. I think he’s older, he’s 25. He’s a second-year guy, but he’s an older guy, very mature. I’m just looking forward to building with him and obviously having good discussions in meetings and things like that.”
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