MILWAUKEE – A.J. Hawk’s absence from the Green Bay Packers didn’t last long.

Hawk’s agent, Mike McCartney, said Thursday that the linebacker signed a five-year deal with the Packers just one day after he was released in a cost-cutting move.

“He’s thrilled to be back with his Super Bowl-winning teammates and a first-class organization,” McCartney said in an e-mail to The Associated Press.

The team announced the deal Thursday evening.

“We are pleased to have reached an agreement with A.J.,” Packers general manager Ted Thompson said. “We appreciate his work and dedication and look forward to his contributions to our team in the future.”

Hawk, the No. 5 overall pick in the 2006 NFL draft, previously was scheduled to earn $10 million in 2011. When the Packers released him Wednesday, they did so with the hope that they could bring him back at a reduced salary.

Thompson said Wednesday the business side of the game drove the decision to release Hawk and he was hopeful Hawk would return. Hawk was free to negotiate with other teams after his release, but clearly focused on the Packers.

Multiple media outlets reported a new deal was imminent after his release, and McCartney told AP on Thursday morning that the two sides were putting the finishing touches on a contract.

Terms of the new deal were not immediately available.

It came on a day the collective bargaining agreement between NFL owners and the NFL Players Association was set to expire, although the two sides later agreed to a 24-hour extension.

Despite his lofty draft status and hardworking reputation, Hawk began the 2010 season as a role player. He ended it as a leader of a Super Bowl-champion defense.

After season-ending injuries to inside linebackers Nick Barnett and Brandon Chillar, Hawk once again became a starter and played a critical role in the Packers’ push to their Super Bowl victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was chosen one of the team’s captains in the playoffs.

The Packers now have a potential logjam at inside linebacker. Desmond Bishop earned a new deal during his breakout 2010 season, and Chillar and Barnett remain under contract.

The Packers released two other players Wednesday, tight end Donald Lee and safety Derrick Martin.

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) – The Green Bay Packers have released linebacker A.J. Hawk after the former first-round pick was scheduled to earn $10 million in 2011.

Hawk was one of three players the Super Bowl champions let go along with tight end Donald Lee and safety Derrick Martin.

Hawk was the fifth overall pick of the 2006 draft, playing in all 80 regular-season games since then with 77 starts.

General Manager Ted Thompson said Wednesday that the business side of the game drove the decision to release Hawk and that they are hopeful he’ll return to the team.

Lee was set to earn $2.2 million in 2011, while Martin was slated to make $750,000.

 

Published: Wednesday, March 02, 2011, 7:38 PM     Updated: Wednesday, March 02, 2011, 7:39 PM

News and notes from around the NFL:

Green Bay Packers release A.J. Hawk, hope to re-sign him (ESPN.com)

Carolina Panthers place tenders on DeAngelo Williams, others (Associated Press)

Jason Taylor wants to return to New York Jets, if he plays again (Jenny Vrentas, nj.com)

Jets waive former first-rounder Vernon Gholston, meet with Bob Sanders (Mike Sielski, onlinewsj.com) 

Atlanta Falcons’ Mike Smith believes young defense will improve (D. Orlando Ledbetter, ajc.com)

 

 

GREEN BAY – Brown County and the city of Green Bay are hosting a fan rally Friday to show support for the Green Bay Packers.

It will take place between 2:00-2:30 p.m. on the 300 block of Walnut St. near the courthouse.

Fans are encouraged to bring signs and wear their warmest green and gold. Various community leaders will lead the cheer.

This Sunday, the Green Bay Packers will battle the Chicago Bears in the NFC Championship Game. FOX 11′s coverage Sunday starts at 7:00 a.m.