The Green Bay Packers announced on Wednesday that they have released veteran linebacker A.J. Hawk. This isn’t too surprising of a move considering that Hawk has topped out as a marginal linebacker in the NFL and the Packers have cheaper alternatives on the roster.
A top-five pick in the 2006 NFL Draft, Hawk started 136 games in nine seasons. He has recorded 100-plus tackles five times and put up a career-high five sacks back in 2013. Though, advanced stats have not been kind to the veteran. According to Pro Football Focus (subscription required), Hawk graded out 52nd out of a possible 60 inside linebackers in overall performance this past season.
Set to count $5.1 million against the cap in 2015, the Packers saved $3.6 million by releasing him.
General manager Ted Thompson had this to say about the move (via Packers official site).
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.
With Hawk out of the fold, Sam Barrington should get the first shot at replacing him in the starting lineup next season. Though, there will be competition for the gig.
Photo: USA Today