Hawk announced his retirement from professional football Tuesday, ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Hawk appeared in one game for the Falcons in 2017 before being released in October. The inside linebacker was selected No. 5 overall by the Packers in the 2006 NFL Draft and spent nine of his 11 NFL seasons with Green Bay, winning one Super Bowl and finishing as the team's all-time leading tackler.

Hawk was released by the Falcons on Tuesday, Curtis Jackson of the Falcons' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Hawk was signed in Week 5 to provide depth at linebacker, but with the Falcons currently needing help at running back, space needed to be cleared for running backs Terron Ward and Stevan Ridley. Unfortunately for Hawk, he was one of the odd men out, as well as offensive lineman Mike Person. At 32 years old, Hawk's career is clearly on its last leg, but he could still potentially provide help somewhere if injuries arise.

Hawk is signing with the Falcons, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports.

EDGE Analysis

With Sean Weatherspoon (Achilles) ruled out for the season, Hawk will provide additional depth at linebacker. Hawk is unlikely to get enough playing time to warrant IDP consideration.

Hawk was released by the Bengals on Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

Even with Vontaze Burfict (suspension) out for the first four games of the season, Hawk was unlikely to start in Cincinnati after the Bengals re-signed Vincent Rey and added Karlos Dansby. Though his days as a regular starter and useful IDP are likely numbered, the 32-year-old Hawk shouldn't have much trouble finding a team that will allow him to compete for a roster spot. He had just 24 tackles and one sack in 16 games last season.

Hawk agreed to a contract with the Bengals on Tuesday, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports. Hawk will head to Cincinnati after spending the first nine seasons of his career with the Packers. He figures to back up Rey Maualuga at the middle linebacker position, and could challenge for snaps at an outside linebacker spot as well.

The Packers have released Hawk, the team's official site reports. According to Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, cutting Hawk, who recorded 89 tackles for the Packers this past season, will save the team $3.5 million against the salary cap. That added financial flexibility will no doubt come in handy this offseason, with the team hoping to re-up receiver Randall Cobb and right tackle Bryan Bulaga.

Hawk underwent surgery immediately after the season to remove bone spurs from his ankle, ESPN.com reports.Hawk is a potential cap casualty, with one season remaining on his contract at $3.5 million. His stint with the Packers has been a mixed bag, and he generally hasn't lived up to the expectations that come with being a top-five draft pick. Packers coach Mike McCarthy recently refereed to the inside linebacker position as the team's greatest area of need. All that being said, Hawk should be healthy in time for next season, be it in Green Bay or elsewhere.

Hawk finished the 2014 season with 90 tackles (53 solo) and half a sack in 16 games. Hawk nearly reached the 100-tackle mark for the fifth time in his career, and he likely would have had he not lost snaps as the season wore on. Hawk played sparingly by the end of the season, and he may need to take a pay cut in order to remain with the Packers.

Hawk played on just eight defensive snaps in Monday's victory over the Falcons. Hawk's role and playing time have slowly dwindled throughout the season, and it appears he is almost a non-factor in the defense at this point, as he only lines up in the base defense that the Packers rarely run. Most of Hawk's snaps have gone to Sam Barrington, who has started each of the last two games.

Hawk made eight tackles (four solo) in Sunday's loss to the Saints. Hawk has totaled 60 tackles though eight weeks, which puts him on pace to tie his career best of 120 tackles, which he did both in 2012 and in his rookie season of 2006.