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Cowboys' free agency decision on key defender is clearly trending in specific direction

Originally posted on A to Z Sports
By Mauricio Rodriguez | Last updated 2/20/24

The Dallas Cowboys and nose tackle Johnathan Hankins have big decisions to make this offseason regarding each other.

Hankins is set to hit free agency and with 11 NFL seasons under his belt, all options could be on the table for him, including retirement. In a recent YouTube video, Hankins revealed he seriously considered hanging it up last year in large part because of his daughter.

Ultimately, Hankins signed a one-year deal for $1.3 million to come back at 31 years old. Could he come back for another rodeo under a new defensive coordinator in Mike Zimmer?

It sure sounds like it.

"The way y'all view us is still as a Super Bowl Contender team, so just know that we all are sad, and we all feel bad that we didn't get the job done for you guys," Hankins says in the video mentioned above. "But we'll be back. (...) Is this the last time you're going to see Big Hank? I don't think so. I'll definitely be back. Speaking with the Cowboys, speaking with Mike (McCarthy) and the staff, obviously I'm still playing at a high level and I still want to continue to play."

As for the Cowboys, their decision is easy. They need the size on the defensive line (something Micah Parsons has told Jerry Jones directly) and Hankins has proven to be a capable starter at the position.

Although the team still needs an upgrade, whether that's Mazi Smith back at his original weight or another addition, signing Hankins wouldn't take too much money as they develop another nose tackle.

It's still early but I'd expect Hankins to be back for the Cowboys so-called "all-in" season. He clearly wants to while revealing Dallas is telling him they want him back and it's a position of need? This sounds like it's only a matter of time for him to be re-signed.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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