Former Titans WR Lavelle Hawkins Signs with New England Patriots
Dec 18, 2011; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Tennessee Titans wide receiver Lavelle Hawkins (87) makes a catch against the Indianapolis Colts defensive back Chris Rucker (36) at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
From Jim Wyatt of The Tennessean:
Former #Titans WR Lavelle Hawkins lands with #Patriots on a two-year deal http://t.co/2QsOlZeCA6 #tntitans
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) May 9, 2013
Hawkins also visited the #Texans following his release, and the #Giants also wanted him to visit. Found a fit with #Patriots #tntitans
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) May 9, 2013
It has been approximately one week since the Tennessee Titans released Lavelle Hawkins. Hawkins became expendable after the Titans added Justin Hunter to a core of wide receivers that includes Kenny Britt, Kendall Wright, Nate Washington, Damian Williams, Michael Preston, Marc Mariani and Kevin Walter. That doesn’t include Darius Reynaud, who could probably play the position on an emergency basis.
Hawkins, who was a fourth-round pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, spent five seasons with the Titans. His career totals include 71 catches for 771 yards and one touchdown. In 2012, Hawkins had five catches for 62 yards. Those numbers didn’t merit the $1.9 million salary that he would’ve required for the 2013-14 season.
Check out the teams who were reportedly interested in Hawkins. It’s interesting to see three potential playoff contenders who were all vying for his services. While Hawkins isn’t a guarantee to make the New England Patriots roster, he’ll have the opportunity to win a job with Tom Brady throwing passes to him.
From Jake Locker, Matt Hasselbeck, Kerry Collins and Vince Young to Tom Brady? Not a bad opportunity for the soon-to-be 27-year-old receiver out of the University of California (Golden Bears). The Patriots lost their top two receiving targets when Wes Welker joined the Denver Broncos and Brandon Lloyd was released. Before adding Hawkins, they had signed or drafted Danny Amendola, Michael Jenkins, Aaron Dobson and Josh Boyce. Additionally, they added T.J. Moe as an undrafted free agent.
This comes shortly after Kevin Matthews, another former Titans player, joined the Washington Redskins as a backup center.
Was this what Hawkins needed for his career to take off? Or is he destined as nothing more than a No. 4 or No. 5 receiver? Will he make the 53-man roster? Discuss in the comments below, Twitter or on Facebook.