Release of A.J. Hawk Could Put Him On Chicago Bears’ Radar
By Clyde A. Speller
@ClydeASpeller
Getty Images
On Wednesday afternoon, the Green Bay Packers cut ties with nine-year veteran linebacker A.J. Hawk. This move didn’t come as much of a surprise to Green Bay fans, considering the fact that, at times, Hawk was replaced by fellow linebacker Clay Matthews as the Packers’ inside linebacker last season. Hawk, who recently had bone spurs removed from his ankle, is now available to sign with any team once the NFL’s new season officially starts on Mar. 10.
Now that the Chicago Bears have announced their transition to a 3-4 defensive alignment, Hawk could possibly be an option for general manager Ryan Pace, head coach John Fox and defensive coordinator Vic Fangio during free agency.
With Lance Briggs and D.J. Williams more than likely not returning to the Windy City for the 2015 season, the Bears could use someone with 3-4 experience in the interior of their starting linebacking corps. Hawk not only has knowledge of the alignment, but he also has great familiarity with the teams within the NFC North, including the hated Packers. Hawk could end up being a vital part in the Bears finally getting ahead of Green Bay in the divisional standings.
Although the 2006 fifth overall pick might have lost a step, he still should be effective enough to help Chicago’s shift into this new defensive configuration, and get teams to fear this unit that has been historically bad over the past two years. More importantly, Hawk could be a great on-the-field coach for players such as Jon Bostic, Shea McClellin and Christian Jones.
Targeting an inside linebacker will definitely be high on the Bears’ priority list this offseason. It’s been said that Chicago has shown interest in New York Jets linebacker David Harris and Mason Foster of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. If the Bears decide to go with Hawk, Harris Foster, or any other free agent inside linebacker, that could give them more space to concentrate on other needed positions via the 2015 NFL Draft.
All in all, Hawk may not be the first player who comes to the minds of Chicago’s front office and coaching staff once the official start of the 2015 season is upon us, but he should absolutely be strongly considered as a candidate to help revamp this new-look defense.
Clyde A. Speller is an NFL writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @ClydeASpeller.
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