A day after he was released, linebacker [intlink id=”80″ type=”category”]A.J. Hawk[/intlink] and the Green Bay Packers have the parameters of a new contract in place.
Hawk will reportedly sign the deal tonight before 11 p.m. CT, when either free agency or a lockout will begin. The 27-year-old will get a five-year deal.
Financial terms have not yet been released.
Hawk was scheduled to make $10 million in the final year of his previous deal, which led to his release. The Packers had no intention of paying him that much money, even though they obviously wanted to keep him around.
By releasing Hawk yesterday, the Packers protected themselves against a potential salary cap hit. In the event the league and the NFLPA come to an agreement on a new labor deal, the league year will begin and Hawk’s $10 million salary would have been guaranteed if he were still on the team.
By releasing Hawk, the Packers also made it easier to construct a new deal. The team was able to avoid restructuring the $10 million from the final year of his previous contract and start fresh.
Hawk had probably his best season with the Packers in 2010, recording 111 tackles and three interceptions.
We’ll update this post with financial terms once they’re released.
another great move by TT
Yes TT is a genius. Hope this spells the end for Nick “tweety” Barnett
Glad to hear that A.J. will be staying in Green Bay! I was really started to miss him yesterday!
No, this is another exact right move by TT. It also shows that Hawk wants to stay here and that his pride wasn’t hurt by being “cut”.
People can still harass Hawk for not being the Patrick Willis they expected, but look up “professional” in the dictionary and you’ll see a picture of this guy. He shows up and plays every week and never gives anyone any shit.
bye bye Barnett…
Thrilled to death that AJ is staying in Green Bay!! He has been one of our favorites and this is great news!!
Excellent! Glad AJ is staying around. I also agree it seems like he really wants to be here since he obviously agreed to less money; not something too many players in the NFL would do I’m sure.