The Dallas Cowboys added to their defensive line depth Tuesday afternoon by trading for Raiders DT Johnathan Hankins.
According to sources, the Cowboys acquired Hankins and a 2024 seventh-round pick from the Raiders in exchange for their 2023 sixth-round pick.
The former second-round pick brings run-stopping ability to the interior — an issue the Cowboys needed to address moving forward. Pro Football Focus currently has Hankins graded better against the run than every Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle except for Trysten Hill.
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The New York Giants selected Hankins in the second round of the 2013 draft out of Ohio State. In his 10-year career, Hankins has logged 366 tackles (205 solo), 36 tackles for loss, 47 QB hits, and 14.5 sacks. In five games this season for Las Vegas, he has ten tackles, and one QB hit.
What a turn of events; just a few days ago, we all heard Jerry Jones say he did not expect a trade with the deadline approaching, but I am happy they traded for the one spot where the defense needed a boost.
This trade comes at a perfect time for Dallas.
Looking at the remaining schedule, they face four top-ranked rush offenses starting with Chicago next week. They will see Saquon Barkley again, Jalen Hurts, Dalvin Cook, and Derrick Henry.
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I don't know how many snaps Hankins will see right away. This seems more like a depth move and maybe he will make his way into the rotation, but this move helps the Cowboys' defensive weakness.
They now have 10 DLs on the roster, with Tarell Basham in the middle of a 21-day practice window coming off IR. Hankins counts $718,644 against the salary cap the rest of the way, and he is set to be a UFA when the season ends.
What an excellent move in the season for the Cowboys, adding a veteran who has proven he can stop the run effectively.
