Former Tennessee Titans receiver Lavelle Hawkins agreed to a two-year deal with the New England Patriots on Thursday, according to the Tennessean's Jim Wyatt. The Patriots have been working hard this offseason to try to replace their top two receivers from last season, Wes Welker and Brandon Lloyd. Free-agent signee Danny Amendola is expected to replace the production of Welker.
Hawkins, a fourth-round pick by Tennessee in 2008, had his most productive season in 2011 when he caught 47 passes for 470 yards and one touchdown. He has not had more than 110 yards in any of his other four seasons, however. The former Cal Bear will face competition from rookies Aaron Dobson and Josh Boyce, as well as veterans Michael Jenkins, Donald Jones, Matthew Slater and Julian Edelman.
The Patriots should be expected to still rely heavily on their tight ends and Amendola, but there should still be room for Tom Brady to move the ball around while trying to replace the 911 yards Lloyd caught a year ago. Will it be Hawkins, who has just 771 yards in a five-year career?
The competition could get interesting.
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