Falcons release Hawley, claim Gradkowski off waivers
The Falcons, on a mission to improve their offensive line, the Falcons claimed Gino Gradkowski of waivers from Denver and released Joe Hawley, who opened last season as the starter.
The Falcons continued their major roster churn under first year coach Dan Quinn, who has authority over the final roster.
Gradkowski, 6-3, 300 pounds, was originally selected by the Baltimore Ravens pick in the fourth round (98th overall) of the 2012 NFL draft out of Delaware.
He played in 40 games with 16 starts over three years for the Ravens. Denver acquired him via trade in April 2015.
Hawley, 6-3, 302 pounds was selected by the Falcons in the fourth round (117th overall) in 2010 NFL Draft out of Nevada-Las Vegas.
In five seasons with the Falcons, he has played in 57 games including 23 starts.
Hawley was trying to come back from a double ligament knee surgery that he suffered in the fifth game of last season at Minnesota. He was running with the first team, but was eventually beaten out by James Stone.
About the Author
Honored by the Pro Football Hall of Fame in recognition of his "long and distinguished reporting in the field of pro football," D. Orlando Ledbetter, Esq. has covered the NFL 28 seasons. A graduate of Howard University, he's a winner of Georgia Sportswriter of the Year and three Associated Press Sports Editor awards.
