The New England Patriots announced the signing of defensive back Artrell Hawkins and the release of veteran linebacker and two-time Pro Bowler Willie McGinest today.
Hawkins, 29, signed with the Patriots as a free agent on Nov. 15, 2005. The seven-year veteran contributed immediately, transitioning from cornerback to safety to help solidify a position that had been decimated by injuries. He started four of the five games he appeared in and posted 16 tackles, including a season-high seven stops and a sack in a start against Tampa Bay (12/17/05). He started both playoff games at safety and accumulated eight tackles.
