A.J. Hawk Cut by Bengals: Latest Comments and Reaction

After just one season with the Cincinnati Bengals, linebacker A.J. Hawk was released by the team Tuesday.

The Bengals announced the move after Alex Marvez of Fox Sports was the first to report the organization's decision to part ways with the 32-year-old veteran. Adam Caplan of ESPN noted the Bengals will save $1.4 million with the move.

"A.J. was a big part of us last season as we won the division championship and I appreciate his efforts," Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis said in a statement, via Jay Morrison of Cox Media Group. "We're going a different direction at this point, but I've always been a fan of A.J. It has been a pleasure having him as part of our team and getting to know him and his family better."

After spending the first nine seasons of his NFL career with the Green Bay Packers, Hawk signed a two-year, $3.25 million deal with his home-state Bengals last offseason, according to Spotrac.

Although the Ohio State product started 11 games for Cincinnati, he failed to make a sizable impact, as he recorded just 24 tackles and one sack.

Hawk had previously never ended a season with fewer than 84 tackles, and Green Bay's all-time leading tackler had made 100 or more stops in a season on five different occasions.

Linebacker depth is a concern for the Bengals entering 2016 because Vontaze Burfict will miss the first three games of the season thanks to a suspension, but the signing of another veteran in Karlos Dansby made Hawk expendable.

Despite never being selected to a Pro Bowl, Hawk was long considered to be among the NFL's premier tacklers, but there is little doubt that the No. 5 overall draft pick in 2006 dropped off significantly last season.

That meant he was no longer a fit in Cincinnati, and it could prevent him from catching on elsewhere as well.

There may be some value in signing a player of Hawk's ilk since he is experienced and has a championship pedigree as a former Super Bowl winner. He has also missed just two games during his professional career, so he is as durable and reliable as any linebacker in the league.

His lack of production in 2015 suggests he is no longer a viable starter, but it stands to reason that he could provide depth and contribute in a situational manner, primarily against the run.

It isn't always easy for a career starter to take a step back and accept a lesser role, but if Hawk is ready and willing to do that, then his release may not spell the end of the road for him in the NFL.

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