A.J. Hawk to Falcons: Latest Contract Details, Comments and Reaction

Veteran linebacker A.J. Hawk reportedly signed with the Atlanta Falcons on Tuesday, according to his agent, Mike McCartney.

Hawk, 32, accumulated just 24 tackles and one sack in 2015 with the Cincinnati Bengals, initially as a backup before being called upon to start 11 games. But the Bengals signed veteran linebacker Karlos Dansby this offseason and already had Rey Maualuga and Vincent Rey available, allowing them to release Hawk just two days before the 2016 NFL draft in late April.

The former fifth overall pick of the 2006 NFL draft spent the first nine seasons of his career with the Green Bay Packers, totaling 926 tackles, nine interceptions, five fumble recoveries and four forced fumbles. He was a Pro Bowler in 2010 and won a Super Bowl title with Green Bay.

He had 105 or more tackles for the Packers five times and registered at least 80 tackles in nine straight seasons with Green Bay.

The Packers cut him before the 2015 season, however, and he then signed with the Bengals.

Hawk is no longer a top-end starter at the NFL level, but he's a solid, experienced option who provides depth and is still a decent stopgap against the run. While he's a liability in the passing game and won't be on the field on third down, the Falcons are desperate for linebacker depth.

The team is currently nursing injuries to four linebackers, according to Darin Gantt of Pro Football Talk: "Sean Weatherspoon is out for the season after tearing his Achilles last week against the Panthers, while Paul Worrilow (groin), De'Vondre Campbell (ankle) and Deion Jones (calf) are also hurt."

That gives Hawk the chance to start immediately for the team. While he's probably just a two-down linebacker at this point in his career, he was solid for the Bengals in 2015 and should stabilize the team's defense at the position.

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