TAMPA — When NFL teams made their final roster cuts before the season, the Bucs still were seeking a backup center, a reliable veteran to have behind returning starter Evan Smith.
Joe Hawley was coming off a torn ACL that limited him to four games last season and had been released by the Falcons just days before the season opener.
Bucs offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter saw a perfect match, not even realizing just how well things would work out for both sides.
"When Joe became available, I went to Coach (Lovie Smith) and went to (GM) Jason (Licht) and said, "Look, we have a chance to get this guy,"' Koetter said this week.