Free agent linebacker David Hawthorne has scheduled a visit with the New Orleans Saints for this Friday, according to Jeff Dickerson of ESPN Chicago. It has previously been reported by ESPN that the Chicago Bears were among the teams showing interest in the linebacker's services.

Hawthorne, 26, emerged as a starter for the Seattle Seahawks over the past three years after being signed as an undrafted free agent out of TCU in 2008. Over the past three years, he's recorded at least 100 tackles in each season while showing the ability to handle both inside and outside linebacker positions.

Signing Hawthorne would give Chicago some depth at position as Brian Urlacher ages and Lance Briggs shows dissatisfaction with his current salary. The latter player is seeking a pay raise on his current deal after reaching the Pro Bowl for a seventh straight season.

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