Johnathan Hankins has spent the last four seasons as a starting defensive tackle for the Oakland and Las Vegas Raiders. In that time, Hankins has played in 61 games, accruing 91 tackles, two pass deflections, 2.5 sacks, and three fumble recoveries.
While his numbers are not eye-popping, he has been a consistent presence in a Raiders defense that has sorely needed it. He has also built a strong chemistry with defensive star Maxx Crosby, as the Raiders had one of the better run defenses in the league in 2021.
Now, Hankins is slated to return to the Raiders for a fifth season, as he’s reportedly re-signing with Las Vegas on a one-year deal, according to Jordan Schultz via Twitter:
Breaking: FA DT Johnathan Hankins is re-signing with the #Raiders on a one-year deal, per source.
In four seasons with OAK/Las Vegas, Hankins has recorded 172 tackles, 13 TFLs and 25 quarterback pressures. He reunites w/DC Patrick Graham — his former DL coach w/the #Giants.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) April 1, 2022
Hankins was arguably the final piece to completing the Raiders’ defensive line, which now includes him, Crosby, Bilal Nichols, and star free-agent acquisition Chandler Jones. Getting to the quarterback — which was quite recently a weakness of the Raiders — can now be perceived as a strength.
Of course, Hankins will primarily be focused on stopping runs up the middle. But his presence allows Crosby and Jones to go to work getting to the quarterback. If everything with this defensive line goes according to plan, it could make up for a secondary that is not seen as a massive strength.
At this point, details have not been revealed for Hankins’ contract beyond a one-year deal. Hankins made $4.25 million per season in 2020 and 2021, which will likely be around that amount in 2022. Hankins turned 30 in the last week of March.
Raiders have not had substantial talks with Stephon Gilmore
One way for the Raiders to bolster their secondary would be to add Stephon Gilmore, who is widely seen as one of the best cornerbacks on the free-agent market. However, head coach Josh McDaniels said there have been no substantial talks between the Raiders and Gilmore despite some rumored interest.
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