Defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins, initially drafted by the Giants in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft, is making a return to the Dallas Cowboys on a one-year contract valued at $1.5 million, as reported by the Dallas Morning News.
Approaching his 31st birthday, Hankins was traded to the Cowboys from the Las Vegas Raiders last October to bolster their run defense during the playoff push. Despite making five appearances with Dallas, he was sidelined for the remainder of the season due to a pectoral strain.
Hankins rejoins a Cowboys roster that has recently re-signed several of its own free agents, including safety Donovan Wilson, linebacker Leighton Vander Esch, and defensive end Dante Fowler.
Hankins’ departure from the Giants followed the 2016 season, leading him to a three-year, $30 million contract with the Colts. However, his stint in Indianapolis was cut short after just one year, as the team’s shift to a 4-3 defensive alignment under a new head coach deemed him, a nose tackle, unnecessary.
Before his move to Oakland, Hankins explored options with the Washington Redskins, Detroit Lions, New York Jets, and Cleveland Browns, reflecting his value across the league.