AJ Hawk and Bengals Strike a Deal; Grade and Analysis

Dec 21, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Green Bay Packers inside linebacker A.J. Hawk (50) against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

After being released by the Green Bay Packers a couple days ago, the former Ohio State Buckeye, AJ Hawk, has signed with the Cincinnati Bengals.

This is what ESPN’s Adam Schefter tweeted regarding the situation:

Here is a quick bio on AJ Hawk’s career, from NFL Mocks:

"AJ Hawk had been a mainstay for the Green Bay Packers at middle linebacker since they drafted him 5th overall in the 2006 NFL Draft. Hawk has only missed two games in his nine year NFL career, racking up 923 tackles and 19 sacks. Hawk is still a solid linebacker in the NFL, but he is exiting the prime of his career, so a short term deal is the most ideal situation for a team looking to bring Hawk in to start for them next season."

The Bengals need some help at middle linebacker, and Hawk will come in and shore up their need for a man in the middle of their defense for the next couple of years. Hawk fits in with what Marvin Lewis has built in Cincinnati, taking NFL rejects and getting them to play well together. Hawk isn’t the biggest name in the NFL, but he is a solid player who can still produce at a high level. I expect Hawk to play well in Cincinnati for the next few years.

Grade: B

I think this is a solid signing for both sides. Hawk gets to go to a competitive team and get a good amount of playing time over the next few seasons. The Bengals get a solid inside linebacker who will provide them with solid linebacking play for the next few seasons.

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