The Jets yesterday signed free-agent strong safety Atrell Hawkins in an effort to improve their defense.
The 5-foot-10, 195-pound Hawkins, who sat out last season after being released by the Patriots in August of last season, is a nine-year NFL veteran.
He and the Jets flirted several times last season, but he was never signed.
Hawkins, originally selected in the second round (43rd overall) of the 1998 NFL Draft by the Bengals, last played with the Patriots in 2006.
In nine seasons, he’s appeared in 122 games (starting 92) and recorded 482 tackles (415 solo), 11 interceptions, 70 pass defensed and six fumble recoveries.
Hawkins spent six seasons with the Bengals (1998-2003), one season with the Panthers (2004) and two seasons with the Patriots (2005-06).
The signing of Hawkins’ could mean the departure of Erik Coleman, who steadily lost his starting job and then playing time under Eric Mangini over the last two seasons.
According to a source, the Jets are not interested in signing former Dolphins linebacker Zach Thomas, who was released by Miami earlier this offseason.
Thomas visited the Patriots on Monday and was reportedly offered a contract.
He’s scheduled to make visits to the Saints and Cowboys this week.
The 34-year-old seven-time Pro Bowler was released by the Dolphins on Feb. 14 after playing in only five games in 2007 because of concussions and migraines.
Thomas’ age doesn’t appear to be an issue for the Patriots. Junior Seau is 39 while Tedy Bruschi is three months older than Thomas. Both Seau and Bruschi are free agents.