FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Quick-hit thoughts and notes around the New England Patriots and NFL:
1. When free-agent receiver Andrew Hawkins was deciding on whether to sign with the Patriots or four other teams last week, he had an influential voice imploring him to pick New England: His older brother, Artrell, who played 24 games (21 starts) for the franchise from 2005-2006 (including playoffs).
"I think it's awesome. If it were up to me, he would have been there when he was a restricted free agent a few years ago," Artell said, adding that he was "heavy-handed" when asked by his brother about what he should choose.