New England Patriots: Why did the team sign Andrew Hawkins?
By Matty Simo
With so many receivers already on the roster, the New England Patriots decided to sign Andrew Hawkins. So where does he fit in on the team?
The New England Patriots did not need another wide receiver heading into training camp. So far this offseason, they traded for Brandin Cooks. They also signed a top undrafted rookie in Austin Carr. So why ink Andrew Hawkins to a one-year deal?
The better question might be, why not? The Patriots have nothing to lose with this signing, as they are simply getting another veteran who is hungry to win a Super Bowl. They waived Devin Street to make room for Hawkins.
The 5-foot-7, 180-pound speedster announced his decision Wednesday on Uninterrupted. He was pretty excited about it (watch below).
BREAKING: @Hawk announces signing with @Patriots on UNINTERRUPTED. pic.twitter.com/bQpVblBO1W
— UNINTERRUPTED (@uninterrupted) May 24, 2017
As ESPN Boston’s Mike Reiss pointed out in reporting on the acquisition, Hawkins will likely be battling Danny Amendola for one roster spot. Both Amendola and leading receiver Julian Edelman are unrestricted free agents in 2018. There has been speculation that Carr could be Amendola’s successor if he continues to impress the coaching staff. The more competition, the better for the defending champs.
Hawkins has played the previous three seasons with the Cleveland Browns. Before that, his first three were spent with the Cincinnati Bengals. His most productive year was 2014 — his first in Cleveland — when he totaled 63 catches for 824 yards and two touchdowns.
New England continues to be a prime destination for ring-chasers like the 31-year-old Hawkins. He noted the opportunity to play with the best quarterback (Tom Brady) and head coach (Bill Belichick) in NFL history as one of the main reasons he became a Patriot. More from Hawkins here:
"It’s all about winning for me at this point, and putting myself in the best position to do so. I have my work cut out for me, it’s an opportunity, and that’s how I’m approaching it: Go in there, seeing how I stack up with the best, and try to earn my keep and prove my worth. Hopefully I can be a part of something special and kind of join that Patriots legacy."
No fan of the Patriots or sports lover in general can argue with that logic. Especially coming from a player who has spent his offseasons getting a Master’s Degree from Columbia. This is a very smart guy, and one who should help the team improve.