Report: Packers' Hawk takes $7.25 million paycut

A depressed free agent market likely contributed to inside linebacker A.J. Hawk agreeing to a $7.25 million paycut to remain with the Green Bay Packers.

The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reported Hawk, who was owed $17.85 million over the final three years remaining on his current contract, would make $10.6 million, the remnants of a five-year, $33.75 million deal he signed in March 2011.

Hawk accepted a lowered base salary prior to the 2012 season -- from $4.9 million to $840,000 -- but he received a roster bonus of $2.21 million in return.