A.J. Hawk: Latest News, Rumors, Speculation Surrounding Free-Agent LB

With NFL training camps opening soon, 10-year veteran and free-agent linebacker A.J. Hawk is still in search of a team to play for next season.  

Continue for updates.

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Hawk Wants to Play for a Winner 

Thursday, July 21

Hawk told SiriusXM NFL Radio that he would "definitely" like to play an 11th season in "the right situation" after being released by the Cincinnati Bengals in April. 

He spent the first nine seasons of his NFL career with the Green Bay Packers after they drafted him fifth overall in 2006. 

According to Pro-Football-Reference.com, he recorded 628 solo tackles with Green Bay, which ranks second on the franchise's all-time list behind strong safety LeRoy Butler. 

He recorded over 100 total tackles in five of his nine seasons in Green Bay, but after he amassed 94 total tackles and 0.5 sacks in 2014, the Packers released him.

Hawk caught on with the Bengals, signing a two-year, $3.25 million deal prior to the 2015 season, via Spotrac. However, he was only able to complete half of his term before being released. 

In 16 games and 11 starts with Cincinnati, Hawk recorded just 24 total tackles, a career low, along with one sack. After such a down year, he was viewed as expendable after the team signed veteran Karlos Dansby to bolster the defense. 

For Hawk, the right situation that he alluded to means that he might be holding out for a contender, which could be a reason why he hasn't signed with a team as of yet. 

Most teams that will push for Super Bowl LI might not find a need for a 32-year-old linebacker who is coming off the worst season of his career, though. 

However, if a contender is in need of depth at the linebacker position, Hawk could get his chance to prove he is still capable of being a serviceable player. 

Stats courtesy of Pro-Football-Reference.com.