"Always the jokester, receiver Lavelle Hawkins never hesitated to let Titans Coach Mike Munchak how he felt about things in Tennessee.

"I'd always tell him: "I want to grow with (quarterbacks) Jake Locker and Matt Hasselbeck,''' Hawkins said with a smile. "I'd tell him, 'I want to be here, Coach. I want to be a part of things moving forward.'"

Maybe Munchak was listening after all.

Or perhaps the Titans simply saw a player worth keeping in Hawkins because on Friday the team agreed to a new three-year deal with the receiver, who is coming off his best year in 2011.

Hawkins played in all 16 games for the Titans last year, with two starts.

He finished last season with a career-high 47 receptions for 470 yards and one touchdown. A fourth-round draft pick by the Titans in 2008 out of California, Hawkins also emerged as a dependable target on third down — his 17 catches on third down ranked second on the team.

Hawkins thanked offensive coordinator Chris Palmer and receivers coach Dave Ragone for developing him, and trusting him. He thanked management for giving him a new deal. Hawkins joined tight end Craig Stevens and backup offensive tackle Mike Otto among those who've received new deals since the season ended.

All three were scheduled to be free agents on March 13."