Bengals sign inside linebacker A.J. Hawk

Former Packers inside linebacker A.J. Hawk has found a new home, according to his agent Mike McCartney. The nine-year pro has agreed to terms on a two-year deal with his hometown team, the Cincinnati Bengals.

Excited for @OfficialAJHawk agreeing to terms with his hometown team, the @Bengals on a 2 year deal

— Mike McCartney (@MikeMcCartney7) March 10, 2015

After originally being selected fifth overall by the Packers in 2006, Hawk steadily saw his play decline in Green Bay the last two seasons, playing fewer than 50 percent of snaps in games after Week 11. Hawk was released by the Packers at the end of last month along with fellow inside linebacker Brad Jones. The release of Hawk opened up $3.5 million in cap space for Green Bay.

The Packers are certainly still on the verge of finding Hawk's replacement, and that will either happen through the NFL Draft next month, or possibly even in the next few days with free agency getting under way.

Cincinnati will now pair Hawk inside with Rey Maualuga, who the club just re-signed to a new three-year deal last week.