The Facts: The Patriots have released Hawkins, Tom Curran of CSNNE.com reported Wednesday. The team also waived undrafted rookie wide receiver Perez Ashford.
Diehards Line:Hawkins, 27, signed with New England in May after five seasons with Tennessee (2008-2012). Hawkins, who played collegiately at Cal, has caught 71 passes for 771 yards and one TD in his NFL career. With Hawkins and Ashford departing, the Patriots have 10 wide receivers on the roster.