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

Linebacker A.J. Hawk will be suiting up for a team other than the Green Bay Packers for the first time in his NFL career in 2015, as it was revealed he has agreed to sign with the Cincinnati Bengals.

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Hawk to Join Bengals

Tuesday, March 10

Hawk's agent said the longtime Packer will be signing with the Bengals, via Fox Sports' Mike Garafolo.

ESPN's Adam Schefter noted on Monday that Hawk was visiting the team.

Since making him the No. 5 overall selection in the 2006 NFL draft, the Packers trotted Hawk onto the field in each and every game with the exception of just two. Despite that durability and consistency, they parted ways with the former Ohio State standout on Feb. 25.

The Packers are certainly hoping to improve the play of their inside linebackers after being forced to move Clay Matthews in from the outside last season. Even so, bringing back Hawk wasn't initially out of the question.

According to Bob McGinn and Tyler Dunne of The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, the Packers didn't rule out signing the 31-year-old linebacker if they were unable to make enough gains at the position through free agency and the draft.

Hawk's play has certainly dropped off in recent years, but he has over 900 career tackles to his credit and is very familiar with Green Bay's system. So a reunion made sense.

In addition to that, general manager Ted Thompson and the Packers organization seemed to think the world of Hawk as a person and leader, per Packers.com:

"

A.J. is a consummate Packer and we are grateful for all that he has given and how he represented the organization over the past nine seasons. He was a durable and consistent contributor to our success, but more importantly, he is a great person and teammate. The Packers are grateful for all that he has done on the field and in the community. We wish A.J., his wife Laura, and the rest of their family all the best.

"

Going back to the well with Hawk might not have been the best option, but it is one that the Packers had in their back pocket. That's no longer the case, however.

The Bengals will now have an experienced addition to their linebacking corps, where Hawk should have no trouble making an impact.

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