Falcons Agree To Terms With LB A.J. Hawk

The Atlanta Falcons are turning to a veteran defender to add depth to their struggling linebacker core.

Falcons Agree To Terms With LB A.J. Hawk

The Falcons have agreed to terms with linebacker A.J. Hawk, according to Hawk’s agent.

The team is in dire need of help at linebacker after losing Sean Weatherspoon for the season to a torn Achilles. Three other linebackers — Paul Worrilow (groin) and rookies De’Vondre Campbell (ankle) and Deion Jones (calf; played Sunday) — are also all hurt. Worrilow and Campbell are not expected to play Sunday’s game against Denver.

Special teamer LaRoy Reynolds — previously listed as third-string on Atlanta’s depth chart — was called in after Weatherspoon left in Sunday’s victory over the Carolina Panthers. The Falcons’ defense is currently ranked 30th in the NFL.

Hawk, 32, last played in 2015 with the Cincinnati Bengals, appearing in 16 games (starting 11) and compiling 24 tackles with one sack. He worked out with the Miami Dolphins early in September, but left without a deal.

Before that, Hawk spent nine seasons with the Green Bay Packers, recording 921 tackles, 19 sacks, nine interceptions and three forced fumbles in 158 games as part of a squad that helped win Super Bowl XLV in 2010.

He was drafted by the Packers fifth overall in 2006.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter confirmed Hawk’s signing with the Falcons shortly after rumors began circulating:

Hawk’s agent, Mike McCartney, also made the congratulatory announcement on Twitter:

The Falcons (3-1) will visit the Broncos on Sunday.

In other NFL news, the Chicago Bears placed wide receiver Kevin White on injured reserve Wednesday afternoon after he suffered a fractured left fibula and a high ankle sprain.

GREEN BAY, WI – SEPTEMBER 30: Inside linebacker A.J. Hawk #50 of the Green Bay Packers looks on against the New Orleans Saints at Lambeau Field on September 30, 2012 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)