Packers release Hawk

The Green Bay Packers have released LB A.J. Hawk after the former first-round pick was scheduled to earn $10 million in 2011.

Hawk was the fifth overall pick of the 2006 draft, playing all 80 regular-season games since then with 77 starts.

General manager Ted Thompson said it was a business decision and they are hopeful the Super Bowl Champion will return to the team.

Rumors have it that Hawk will be signing a new 5 year deal before tonight’s expiration of the collective bargaining agreement.