Falcons sign Joe Hawley to two-year extension

100806 Suwanee : Atlanta Falcons's Antone Smith (second from left, 35) is congratulated by his teammates Joe Hawley (61) and Garrett Reynolds (75) during the Friday Night Lights at North Gwinnett High School in Suwanee. This free event includes a fan fest with interactive inflatable games, sponsor offers and giveaways, a post-event autograph session and a spectacular fireworks show. Friday, August 6, 2010. Hyosub Shin hshin@ajc.com (editor's note : CQ) 100806 Suwanee : Atlanta Falcons's Antone Smith (second from left, 35) is congratulated by his teammates Joe Hawley (61) and Garrett Reynolds (75) during the Friday Night Lights at North Gwinnett High School in Suwanee. This free event includes a fan fest with interactive inflatable games, sponsor offers and giveaways, a post-event autograph session and a spectacular fireworks show. Friday, August 6, 2010. Hyosub Shin hshin@ajc.com (editor's note : CQ)

Credit: D. Orlando Ledbetter

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Credit: D. Orlando Ledbetter

Joe Hawley, who helped to stabilize the center position last season, was signed to a two-year contract extension on Tuesday, according to the Falcons.

Hawley played in all 16 games last season and started seven at center.

Hawley, 6-3, 302 pounds, was selected in the fourth round (117th overall) of the 2010 NFL draft out.

He has played in 53 games with seven starts during his four seasons with the Falcons.

Hawley saw his most extensive action in 2011, when he started 12 games.

The Falcons, who have elected not to use the franchise or transition tag this offseason, have agreed to terms with Hawley and Jonathan Babineaux and have signed tackle/guard Michael Johnson and defensive tackle Corey Peters to a one-year contract extensions.

The Falcons’ list unrestricted free agents include defensive tackle Peria Jerry, tackle Sean Locklear and tackle Jeremy Trueblood, tight end Chase Coffman, cornerback Dominique Franks and linebacker Omar Gaither.