FRISCO, TEXAS — The Dallas Cowboys will have another free agent heading in another direction this offseason as veteran defensive tackle Jonathan Hankins signs with the Seattle Seahawks, ending his two-year stint in Dallas. I saw it.
Hankins will be reunited with former Cowboys defensive line coach Aden Durde, who is now the Seahawks' defensive coordinator under new head coach Mike McDonald.
Acquired midway through the 2022 season in exchange for a sixth-round pick, Hankins appeared in 19 games with the Cowboys over two seasons, recording 37 tackles, three tackles for loss, and three sacks. His only time off the field was in December 2023 when he suffered an ankle injury that caused him to miss three games. His presence would ultimately be greatly missed by Dallas' defense, as the team lost two of its three games and allowed an average of 160.7 rushing yards per game.
Having seen what the Cowboys' run defense looks like with and without Hankins, the idea of trying to re-sign him would have made a lot of sense for Dallas.
Since joining the club via trade in October 2022, the big-bodied veteran nose tackle has taught the Cowboys how much the interior defensive linemen can eat up double teams and serve as a brick wall to stop running backs. reminded me of what it means. And he was ultimately the reason they decided to use a first-round pick on Madge Smith, reminding them of the benefits of evaluating the role.
Hankins almost bounced back in 2023, improving to two sacks and showing he can put pressure on quarterbacks. Hankins expressed a desire to remain in Dallas for a third time, but that didn't happen as the 31-year-old literally left for greener pastures.
Hankins is the seventh Cowboys free agent to find a new home this offseason, joining defensive lineman Dorrance Armstrong (Commanders), running back Tony Pollard (Titans) and center Tyler Biadasz (Commanders). ), defensive end Dante Fowler Jr. (Commanders), joins the defense. Tackle Neville Gallimore (Dolphins) and offensive tackle Tyron Smith (Jets). The Cowboys retain three free agents: cornerback Jordan Lewis, cornerback/special teams ace CJ Goodwin and long snapper Trent Sieg. The Cowboys signed linebacker Eric Kendricks and one other free agent.
