While free agent defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins is still searching for a long-term deal on the open market, “optimism has increased” among Giants players who believe Hankins will ultimately re-sign with New York, according to Jordan Raanan of ESPN.com. Indeed, Paul Schwartz of the New York Post suggest there’s a “good shot” Hankins agrees to a new deal with the Giants.
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Hankins, 24, is the best free agent still left on the board — he’s one of only five of PFR’s Top 50 Free Agents left unsigned, and he also ranks as PFR’s best free agent interior defender. Despite that fact, Hankins’ market has been slow to evolve, as the Dolphins are the only external club known to have been in communication with the defensive tackle. Miami, however, is only looking for a rotational lineman to play alongside Ndamukong Suh and Jordan Phillips.
The Giants, meanwhile, are open to re-upping Hankins, but only at their price, which is rumored to be around $4MM. Hankins, however, is hoping to land a deal in the $10MM range. Big Blue is reportedly pushing for a quick answer from Hankins, who may want to keep hunting for a better offer. Much of the league views Hankins as a two-down player, though, meaning a superior proposal may not exist.
Aren’t most defensive linemen rotational to keep them fresh during the game? He is an upgrade over Phillips imo. Phillips needs consistency.
Steelers Stephon Tuit and Cam Heyward play nearly every down.
With more nickel and dime based packages, as a result of more spread out sets, I just have the feeling the situation Hankins is in will be more and more common in the future.
Obviously, the top tier of guys at their respective positions will get paid regardless, but even fairly younger guys, and especially older vets, who are average to a little above average will find themselves having to settle for less and less money.
It is basically the same trend that is going on in baseball. Teams are putting a premium on versatility, more youth, and they are showing a tendency to utilize more players with more distinct, specialized roles. Which, the last part is and will continue to drive down the prices of guys that don’t play every down. The players that will get paid will be the cream of the crop, and those guys that are versatile and can stay on the field for 3 downs…
Unlike the NBA, the days of slightly above average guys getting paid big deals are gone in the NFL.
I could be wrong, but it sure seems like the trend is heading in that direction..
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