Following its relatively successful NFL campaign during the 2014-15 season where it reached the semi-finals of the playoffs before being eliminated by eventual runner-up Seattle Seahawks, the Green Bay Packers appear to be planning on intensifying its roster with the possible infusion of young bloods to the team.
On February 25, the Green Back Packers announced that it is releasing veteran linebacker A.J. Hawk after spending nine seasons with the team.
A.J. Hawk was a top five pick by the Packers during the 2006 NFL draft. During the past season, Hawk has been rated as No. 52 from a possible 60 inside linebackers in the league in terms of overall performance during the 2014-15 season.
He was also set to make $5.1 million next season and with the decision of the Green Bay Packers to release him, the team makes an approximate savings of $3.6 million.
Past his prime
While Hawk was a reliable linebacker when he first started with the Packers back in 2006, recording 100-plus tackles five times during his nine seasons with the team and putting up a career-high five sacks back in 2013, he appears to be past his prime.
Compared to the team’s other linebackers and also those from the other teams in the league, Hawk is considered playing marginally, notes the Yardbarker.
Football analysts believe that the Packers have a cheaper alternative to the marginally-performing Hawk
It is expected that Brad Jones would get Hawk’s spot on the team’s starting lineup for the next NFL season, though he would be encountering tough competition from other promising linebackers on the team and also the possible addition of young bloods.
A consummate Packer
Ted Thompson, executive vice president, general manager, and director of football operations of the Green Bay Packers announced the release of A.J. Hawk.
The Packers executive has nothing but praises for Hawk saying that the linebacker was a consummate Packer, extending his and the organization’s gratitude to the player for ably representing the team during the past nine seasons in the NFL, reports WIBA.
Thompson also described Hawk as a durable and consistent contributor to the success of the Packers. He also attributed the linebacker as a great person and teammate. The team executive also said that the organization is grateful for what Hawk has done in the field and the community and wished him and their family the best.
Hawk also has nothing but praises for the Packers organization. He said that over the past nine seasons with the football team, the Packers have won a ton of games including the Super Bowl. He said he was also happy to be given the opportunity to play for one of the greatest franchises in all of sports.
He also lauded his teammates, coaches, the team’s medical staff, and equipment staff , citing many of them have become his closest friends. Hawk also expressed appreciation to Green Bay fans that he described as incredible. He ended his statement by saying that he is looking forward to his next opportunity in the NFL while cherishing his years as a Green Bay Packer.