The New England Patriots have signed Andrew Hawkins to a one-year deal.

"I'm super excited about the opportunity to join the reigning football champions. I exited Cleveland, and I said it was about joining a contender and the Patriots are the contender, the reigning champs. The program is top-notch and you get the opportunity to play with the best quarterback and the best coach in NFL history," said Hawkins.

Hawkins, 31, worked out for the team last week. He most recently made headlines by earning his master's degree from Columbia with a 4.0 GPA.

The Browns had released him on Feb. 27 in a move the wide receiver agreed was best for all parties.