Atlanta Falcons Could be a Fit for Johnathan Hankins
By Kit Anderson
The Atlanta Falcons need defensive lineman badly and with the surprising news that Johnathan Hankins has been cut could target Hankins. Hankins could be a great fit in Atlanta and fill a big hole on the roster.
The Atlanta Falcons are taking a smart approach this off-season. Waiting on the draft and shopping in the bargain section for free agents. One free agent that could fit the Falcon’s needs however, is unlikely to come very cheap.
Johnathan Hankins has been cut from the Colts. The surprising news came this afternoon in a move that is simply about saving cap room for the Colts.
The Falcons should at least reach out and price gauge what it would take to bring Hankins to Atlanta. Addressing the majority of their needs through the draft and underrated moves like adding Brandon Fusco the Falcons shouldn’t offer any huge contracts.
Adding Hankins would be one of those underrated moves if the Falcons could add him without paying the big salaries that players like former Falcon Dontari Poe are receiving on the open market.
Hankins is 25-years old and coming off of what was a productive season. Productive enough that the Colts cutting him to save on cap is surprising and likely points to how unsure they are that Andrew Luck will be capable of turning their fortunes around whenever he does come back.
Hankins had 44 tackles and 2.0 sacks matching the production that the Falcons will lose from Dontari Poe. The problem comes from lack of cap space and as mentioned before the Falcon’s patience and need to address locking up their own players.
Johnathan Hankins would be a great fit in Atlanta if the price is right. Pairing him with Grady Jarrett and moving Vic Beasley back to the line would make the Falcon’s defensive line look much better after losing Poe and Adrian Clayborn.
Regardless of whether or not they choose to sign Hankins it is an intriguing option that the Falcons are sure to at least explore.