This signing makes more long term off the field sense for Hawkins than on the field sense. Clearly the WR room is filled to the brim with quality veterans and prime rookie prospects who are likely playiing for PS postions or auditioning for other teams.
That being said, there IS a need at KO returner, and James Jones proved that you can make this team being a stellar ST's guy. Haukins has some skills as a receiver, especially with a QB like Brady, who knows how to use little guys.
So why would a guiy who has 4 other offers come to the Pats. Believe me its more than coming to a winning program and winning a ring. He knows a job here is a longshot without some injury happening.
But if his goal is to become an NFL GM, what better program to get to know from the inside than the NE Patriots. What better place to develop some long term relationships that will hopefully go beyond his playing career.
For the Pats there is no such thing as too much depth so they have nothing to lose, and for Hawkins, no doubt the looks he will get here can only help him get another job even if he does eventually get cut come September.