The Buffalo Bills added another linebacker on Sunday with the signing of David Hawthrone.
The eight-year veteran played for Rob Ryan in New Orleans, where he spent four seasons, following four seasons with the Seattle Seahawks. Hawthrone stared 83 games in his career, but fell into a reserve role in 2015 starting just five games. He has eight interceptions, 12 sacks, and 406 tackles on his resume but only 19 of those tackles came a year ago.
Hawthorne is the second linebacker the Bills added Sunday, following the signing of Brandon Spikes. The signings come after injuries to Reggie Ragland, Jamari Lattimore, and Kevin Riddick. The experience of both Hawthorne and Spikes would seem to indicate they are looking for longer-term answers than camp bodies. Ragland doesn’t get a second opinion on his knee injury until Monday, so this could just be getting out ahead of any problems.
No word yet on who the Bills will release to make room for the pair.