Just read this great little article linked from PFT that shows DJ Smith's up-side makes it hard to justify starting Hawk another year. I'd say, given his salary, it's time to cut Hawk outright. Smith looked the part last season, playing with a decisive intensity that we haven't seen from Hawk since his Ohio State days. What do you say, is DJ Smith finally the guy that convinces Ted to cut the overpaid-underperforming Hawk? I think so. Check out the article, it's a quick read and very informative.
As I understand the numbers, if the Packers cut A.J. Hawk this season, they'll take a 1.2 hit on their cap. If they cut him next year, the cap will decrease by 200K. He won't be cut this year. What you probably will see is more and more use of "packages", involving Smith in and Hawk out.