The Patriots continued to add to their already potent group of receivers on Wednesday when they signed Andrew Hawkins to a one-year deal. Hawkins announced the signing on a video that appeared on Uninterrupted, an all-digital sports programming network created by LeBron James and his business partner Maverick Carter.
"I'm super excited about the opportunity to join the reigning football champions," Hawkins said on the video. "I exited Cleveland, and I said it was about joining a contender and the Patriots are the contender, the reigning champs. The program is top-notch and you get the opportunity to play with the best quarterback and the best coach in NFL history.
"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."
The 31-year-old Hawkins led the browns with 63 catches for 824 yards in 2014 but saw his production drop dramatically over the last two seasons. Last season, with Cleveland suffering through a miserable campaign that saw the team use five different starting quarterbacks, Hawkins had just 33 catches for 324 yards and three touchdowns. He did record four catches for 54 yards and a touchdown in a loss to the Patriots in Tom Brady's first game back from suspension.
The 5-7, 175-pounder is another option in the slot, but just how he'll fit in with New England is another story. With Julian Edelman and Danny Amendola already proven commodities at the position, Hawkins may be facing long odds to stick around. Still, Bill Belichick loves to create competition and having another established NFL veteran at the position can't hurt.
In addition to Edelman and Amendola, the Patriots also have the dynamic Brandin Cooks, Chris Hogan, Malcolm Mitchell, Devin Lucien, DeAndrew White and Devin Street on the roster. Undrafted rookies Cody Hollister and Austin Carr are also in the mix, which would seem a bit heavy.
Street and White both signed recently so it wouldn't be much of a surprise to see one of them go to make room for Hawkins.
