Falcons sign former XFL CB Josh Hawkins

The Atlanta Falcons have been one the most active teams in signing former XFL players this offseason. Today, the team announced that it has signed former Dallas Renegades cornerback Josh Hawkins.

That brings their total former XFL players on the roster to three, as Hawkins joins LB Edmond Robinson and TE Khari Lee in Atlanta. All three are likely competing for reserve spots on this defense.

During the 2020 XFL season, Hawkins totaled 11 tackles, two interceptions and four passes deflections. Before joining the now bankrupt XFL, Hawkins spent three seasons in the NFL playing for the Green Bay Packers, Carolina Panthers and Philadelphia Eagles. During that time, Hawkins had 43 tackles, seven pass deflections and a forced fumble.

Hawkins will now join a Falcons team that is looking for all the cornerback depth it can muster, since parting ways with veteran Desmond Trufant. Hawkins and Falcons’ quarterback Kurt Benkert were teammates at Eastern Carolina University, so that’s a nice connection as well.

Where might Hawkins fit on this depth chart? It’s way too early to say, but he has an opportunity to latch on as the fourth or fifth man on the team to start the season, what with Jordan Miller’s early suspension. He’ll likely be behind any rookie draft picks, Isaiah Oliver, Kendall Sheffield, and Blidi Wreh-Wilson, but if he can contribute as a deep reserve and special teamer for Atlanta he’ll be a nice addition.

Warmly welcome him to the Falcons!