The Green Bay Packers are looking for some able players to augment their defensive line next season. And with only little defensive players available on the market, recent reports are suggesting that they should take into consideration free agent defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins from the New York Giants.
The Green Bay Packers are coming off an amazing showing last season. They were able to enter the playoffs for eight consecutive seasons after clinching the fourth seed in the NFC Division. But, they were booted out by the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship. Many observed that the Packers' defense was torched by the Falcons' offense most especially on the first two-quarters.
Last season, the Green Bay Packers defense is one of the weakest links for them. They are ranked 21st in average points allowed (24.2) and 22nd on average yards allowed (363.9) to an opponent. With that, the Packers are now looking to fill in that gap and latest news is saying that there is one defensive player that is still unsigned up to now.
According to ESPN, up until now, DT Johnathan Hankins is still unsigned by the New York Giants even being considered as one of the best defensive linemen of the team. He is one of the highest ranked free agent available today and his capability in defense is unquestionable. Many believed that his skill set could well fit in the Green Bay Packers system.
The Green Bay Packers will start the season without nose tackle Letroy Guion, who was suspended by the league for the first four games after violating the NFL substance abuse policy, and Johnathan Hankins is an ideal substitute for him. Though Hankins wasn't able to finish the second half of the 2015 NFL season due to injury, he bounced back last season recording 3 sacks and 43 tackles.
However, the Green Bay Packers may have apprehension of signing Johnathan Hankins as reports are saying that Hankins is looking for long-term deal worth $10 million per year. The Packers have $26.5 million in cap space for next year and allocating more than 1/3 of that to Hankins is too risky. But if Hankins is willing to take a pay cut then a deal might happen soon.
Will the Green Bay Packers pursue Johnathan Hankins in the free agency market?
