Free-agent center Joe Hawley is returning to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on a two-year deal, the team announced Wednesday.
Financial terms were not disclosed.
Hawley, 28, struggled with a left knee injury throughout the 2016 season, but he still mustered 15 starts and played 928 snaps -- fourth-most on the Bucs' offense.
Hawley started 14 games for the Bucs in 2015 after beating out Evan Smith for the starting job. He helped the Bucs average 135.1 rushing yards per game -- fifth-most in the league -- and the team's 27 sacks allowed ranked sixth.
Before joining the Bucs, Hawley spent five seasons with the Falcons, starting 23 of 57 games. In 2014, he tore his ACL and MCL in his right knee, limiting his action to four games.
ESPN's Jenna Laine contributed to this report.
