The New York Jets are set to host free-agent defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins on Thursday, ESPN’s Dan Graziano reports.
Hankins, 26, was cut by the Indianapolis Colts just a year after signing a three-year, $30 million contract. He played 15 games in his lone season with the Colts, registering 2.0 sacks and 44 total tackles.
Prior to his short stint in Indianapolis, Hankins spent his first four years in the league with the New York Giants, who drafted him in the second round in 2013. He had 140 tackles, 10 sacks, and three forced fumbles in his 52 games (41 starts) in New York.
Hankins is considered one of the very best run-stuffing defensive tackles in the game. As Graziano notes, Pro Football Focus had him as the third-best run-stopping DT in the league last season behind Damon Harrison and Ndamukong Suh.
Article Continues BelowHankins, who has also visited the Washington Redskins, would be a worthwhile addition to a Jets team in need of some added depth on the defensive line after they cut Muhammad Wilkerson earlier this offseason. They reportedly made the highest offer for Suh this offseason, but they rescinded their offer as Suh eventually went to the Los Angeles Rams.
The Jets could also use Hankins’ ability to defend against the run. After being among the very best run defenses in the league over the last few years, they took a huge step back as they finished 24th in run defense last season.
After re-signing Mike Pennel last month, the Jets currently have just two defensive tackles on the roster, with veteran Steve McLendon the other.