The Green Bay Packers restructured linebacker A.J. Hawk's contract Friday night.
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Hawk was scheduled to make $5.45 million in 2013, $5.95 million in 2014 and $5.45 million in 2015. The move 'significantly' lessens his $7.05 million salary-cap number this season, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, though details were not available.
Hawk signed a five-year, $33.75 million contract before the 2011 season and was the fourth-highest-paid player on the Packers' roster. The Packers needed to restructure Hawk or tight end Jermichael Finley's deal to prepare for eventual extensions for Aaron Rodgers, Clay Matthews and B.J. Raji.
Finley said he wasn't interested in a pay cut, but his agent said they would evaluate any offer. The Packers have not asked Finley to adjust his deal.
Hawk had 120 tackles in 2012, No. 2 on the team, and three sacks. He's had 100-plus tackles in four seasons since being the No. 5 overall draft pick in 2006. Hawk had lost a starting position at inside linebacker before Desmond Bishop and D.J. Smith suffered season-ending injuries.
"Always wanted to remain a Packer and I'm excited to have the details worked out," Hawk tweeted. "Now back to work bringing another title home to Green Bay!"
In other Packers news, backup tight end Tom Crabtree signed a two-year contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. ESPN.com's Jason Wilde first reported the signing.
The Packers took a calculated risk and did not tender Crabtree, who was a restricted free agent. Crabtree developed a cult-like following among Green Bay fans and has one of the more entertaining twitter feeds in the NFL. He posted career highs in receptions (eight), yards (203) and touchdowns (three) in 2012, and he gives the Bucs a gritty, physical blocker and an underrated pass catcher.
The Packers are deep at tight end, though, with Finley, Andrew Quarless, Ryan Taylor and D.J. Williams on the roster.
Follow Kareem Copeland on Twitter @kareemcopeland.
