Pats cut Hawkins, sign Testaverde

[patsgo]

http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/reiss_pieces/2007/08/hawkins_release.html

August 18, 2007
Hawkins released
By Mike Reiss, Globe Staff

Defensive back Artrell Hawkins, who helped stabilize the Patriots’ safety position when injuries struck over the last two years, has been released, the team announced.

The Patriots also announced the expected signing of quarterback Vinny Testaverde. The veteran quarterback had previously told Sporting News Radio he had an agreement to join the Patriots after double session practices concluded.

The 31-year-old Hawkins had been out of practice since Aug. 8 due to an undisclosed injury.

...

The team also confirmed the release of defensive back Gemara Williams and linebacker Kyle Bissinger.

Posted By: mreiss | Time: 02:35:38 PM

 

[Mike the Brit]

Thanks, Hawk. I was a big fan.

 

[pats1]

I had a strong feeling that the Testaverde signing would come today.

I also had a strong feeling that Hawkins could very well be on the bubble. My suspicions were correct. It doesn't surprise me either that they let him go this early and let him find another job. Class act. Sucks to see him go.

 

[Sean Pa Patriot]

Sad to see him go, I felt he was a solid backup...

 

[patriot lifer]

Love the guy, but hope we never see him in the secondary again, because it would mean injuries.

 

[patsgo]

Love the guy, but hope we never see him in the secondary again, because it would mean injuries.

Maybe he can be the PA announcer for Gillette Stadium, or eventually replace Gil Santos.

 

[MrTibbs]

"The Voice" is gone...hehe. He ran with lead shoes on but he did OK as a stopgap.

 

[pats1]

Thanks to T-Shirt:

 

[DaBruinz]

I can't say that I am surprised. Hawkins had lost a lot going into last year... Heck, in the Denver play-off game I was amazed at how slow he looked.

I figured this might be the case with Mel Mitchell healthy and the Pats drafting Meriweather.

 

[patsgo]

I can't say that I am surprised. Hawkins had lost a lot going into last year... Heck, in the Denver play-off game I was amazed at how slow he looked.

I figured this might be the case with Mel Mitchell healthy and the Pats drafting Meriweather.

I think the rise of Willie Andrews spelled the doom for Hawk, his special teams play and hell be used as a back up safety.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

I love Hawk and what he did for us, I'd still love to see him back late in the season when the inevitable injuries crop up, just to give him a shot at a Vince. If anything about the AFCCG from last season bothers me, it's the fact some guys who should have gone out in glory missed their chance - blasted flu anyway, you can't even be a little off against a team like Indy.

 

[mgteich]

We have Harrison, Wilson and Mitchell back.
We have added Meriweather.
Andrews and Sanders improve with each game.

There really is no room at safety. Baker and Wesley are apparently ahead of Hawkins on the special teasm depth chart.

 

[zippo59]

It's too bad, I liked Hawkins.

 

[patsox23]

Count me in as someone grateful for some good work from Hawkins over the year last few years. Much appreciated and I wish him well. This seems the right move, though. With the development of Sanders and Andrews taking a bit of a step up this year, and with Wilson focusing on safety instead of splitting time, and with Meriweather also an option there, I'm happy to move forward with Hawkins possibly on the shadow roster.

 

[patsox23]

This defense, by the way, is becoming suddenly VERY young (minus LB).

 

[BadMoFo]

Does anyone else have the feeling that Cassel has regressed this year, do you think Testeverde and Guttierez have a chance at making the opening day roster this year.

 

[patsox23]

I think the Gutierrez over Cassel thing from last night is being deeply overrated.

 

[PATRIOTS-80]

I had a strong feeling that the Testaverde signing would come today.

I also had a strong feeling that Hawkins could very well be on the bubble. My suspicions were correct. It doesn't surprise me either that they let him go this early and let him find another job. Class act. Sucks to see him go.

That's what BB does for vets. Cuts 'em early so they can catch on elsewhere.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

Does anyone else have the feeling that Cassel has regressed this year, do you think Testeverde and Guttierez have a chance at making the opening day roster this year.

I think Gut does yes, thought I'm not that worried about Cassel - the one thing MattC needs is game reps to help him develop his field vision and pocket presence, tough to get around here. Gut has looked good in preseason games, verses some camp reports, and seems a good candidate to develop behind Cassel. I'd rather use this time to get Vinny tuned into the offense, and bring him back later this season as the race to the postseason warms up - he'll be that much closer to ready without taking up a roster slot that would be better used for a Gutierrez who needs the clipboard time.

 

[BionicPatriot]

Why am I the only one who hates this? We sign a guy we don't need for a guy we possibly might need.