The New York Jets have placed DB Artrell Hawkins on the Reserve/Retired List.

Hawkins (5-10/195/Cincinnati/Johnstown, PA), in his nine-year career, appeared in 122 games and recorded 482 tackles (415 solo), 11 interceptions, 70 passes defensed and six fumble recoveries. He was originally selected in the second round (43rd overall) of the 1998 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals. After six seasons with the Bengals, he had stints with both the Carolina Panthers (2004) and the New England Patriots (2005-06). He had signed as a free agent with the Jets, Feb.19, 2008.

The New York Jets have signed LB Vernon Gholston, the sixth overall selection in the 2008 NFL Draft. The announcement was made by Jets General Manager Mike Tannenbaum.

Gholston (6-3/264/Ohio State/Detroit, MI), recorded 14 sacks in 2007 to set the Ohio State single-season record, while his 22.5 career sacks rank fifth in school history. He totaled 87 tackles, 30.5 tackles-for-loss, one interception and one fumble recovery in 34 games. Gholston was an All-American choice by The Associated Press and was named 2007 Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year by the coaches.