The New York Jets have signed free agent SS Artrell Hawkins. The announcement was made by Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum.
Hawkins (5'10", 195), originally selected in the second round (43rd overall) of the 1998 NFL Draft out of Cincinnati by the Bengals, last played with the Patriots in 2006. In nine NFL seasons, he has appeared in 122 games (starting 92) and recorded 482 tackles (415 solo), 11 interceptions, 70 pass defenses and six fumble recoveries.
Hawkins spent six seasons with Cincinnati (1998-2003), one season with Carolina (2004) and two seasons with New England (2005-06) before the Patriots released him Aug. 18, 2007.
