Cowboys Re-sign Critical Defensive Lineman

ARLINGTON— The Dallas Cowboys filled another need in free agency Wednesday by re-signing a big part of the defensive line.

Dallas has re-signed Jonathan Hankins to a one-year deal worth about $1.5 million. The former second round pick has played for several NFL teams including the New York Giants, Indianapolis Colts, Las Vegas Raiders, and the Cowboys.

The Cowboys acquired Hankins in a trade with the Raiders last season. In his first season with the Cowboys, Hankins was placed on injured reserve in December 2022 and was activated on January 23, 2023.

Hankins is a nose tackle on defense which means he usually won’t show up in the stats. Since being drafted in 2013, Hankins has 279 total tackles, 13 sacks, and nine passes defended. He also has three forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries. Hankins’ job is to stuff up running lanes and keep the offensive line off the linebackers which makes this a good re-signing for the Cowboys.

The Cowboys have already turned in a great offseason and free agency period. With the addition of Hankins, this opens up the draft so Dallas can take the best player available instead of forcing a pick and potentially missing out on a great player to fill an immediate need.