The Dallas Cowboys watched as another key member of their defense wandered away in free agency on Tuesday. Since free agency started last week, the Cowboys have lost a few key members from their core.
Tyron Smith, Tyler Biadasz, and Tony Pollard left for new teams last week. The team released Michael Gallup to save cap space for the upcoming season. On defense, they also released Leighton Vander Esch, as the linebacker was set to retire due to his neck injury.
Johnathan Hankins is set to join the Seattle Seahawks
USATSI 19137004
Sep 25, 2022; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins (90) stretches before the game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
According to Mike Garafolo with the NFL Network, defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins will not return with Dallas for the 2024 season. He’s set to sign with the Seattle Seahawks following a visit with the organization on Tuesday.
Micah Parsons wanted help on the interior DL and at LB
Nov 30, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons (11) looks on before the game against the Seattle Seahawks at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Per the NFL website’s transcription, star pass rusher Micah Parsons said earlier this year he wanted the Cowboys to show they were serious about winning a Super Bowl by adding a linebacker and interior defensive lineman:
“I said look at every team that was in that final four,” Parsons explained. “Who did they have? Who did Baltimore have? A great linebacking corps, right? Who did San Fran have? Great linebacking corps. K.C. (Nick) Bolton, and they came along. We need to get another bigger linebacker. And I said we need to get a super, 330 nasty interior [lineman].
“I saw the way Chris Jones affected that Super Bowl and I was like, ‘My God.’ And not even Chris Jones. Mike Pennel. I think we’ve got a lot of rushers. I think Osa (Odighizuwa), he can play inside, outside, one of the most versatile DTs. When we lost (Johnathan) Hank(ins), he’s a big dude, but we need to get one of them big old, nasty, pass-rushing, get-going [guys].”
Hankins had three sacks for the Dallas Cowboys in 2023
Nov 5, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins (95) against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Hankins had three sacks for the Cowboys last season before he was placed on injured reserve in December with a sprained pec. Hankins is ten pounds shy of Parsons’ wish, but losing the depth on the interior defensive line isn’t what No. 11 needs to get an easier path to the quarterback.
Parsons is batting one-for-three on what he wanted from the Cowboys this offseason. He wanted Pollard re-signed, but the running back left for the Tennessee Titans. The Colts haven’t found a feature running back to replace him. Now, one of the biggest starters on the defensive line is in Seattle.
The Cowboys did sign linebacker Eric Hendricks, the lone outside addition in free agency thus far. But this roster looks far from an NFC East contender, let alone one with a chance to play in late January.
All in?
