**Hawkins**, 27, is a veteran of five NFL seasons with the Atlanta Falcons (2020-23), the Los Angeles Chargers (2023) and the Patriots (2024). The 6-foot-1, 208-pounder, originally entered the NFL as a fourth-round draft pick (134th overall) by Atlanta out of California in the 2020 NFL Draft. He has played in 75 games with 32 starts and has 164 total tackles, 4 interceptions, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery for a touchdown and 19 special teams tackles. Last season, Hawkins played in 17 games with seven starts and finished with 43 total tackles, 1 pass defensed, 5 special teams tackles and 1 fumble recovery on special teams.