Despite having one of the best overall defenses in the NFL, the Dallas Cowboys have struggled to contain the run so far this season. In an attempt to address this issue, the franchise worked out a trade with the Las Vegas Raiders that will see them land veteran defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins.
According to an announcement made by the Cowboys on Tuesday, the team gave up a 2023 sixth-round pick to acquire Hankins. As part of the trade, the Raiders are also sending a seventh-rounder in 2024 to Dallas.
Hankins has played sparingly this season, spending less than 50 percent of the snaps in each of his five appearances. He has 10 tackles, one QB hit, and one pass deflection in 2022.
While Hankins isn’t expected to make a significant difference for the Cowboys, he will add size to their defensive front and should make it more efficient against the opposing running backs. Dallas has allowed 4.4 yards per carry this season, which is enough for 20th in the league in run defense.
Johnathan Hankins started his pro career as a second-round pick with the New York Giants in 2013. He spent four years with the Giants and had a one-season stint with the Indianapolis Colts before landing with the Raiders. Hankins has 337 tackles and 14.5 sacks on his NFL resume.
