New York Giants: Jason Pierre-Paul Asks Johnathan Hankins To Re-Sign
With the 2017 NFL Draft nearing, Johnathan Hankins is still a free agent. New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul hopes to see Big Hank re-sign soon.
The New York Giants are still awaiting a final decision from free agent defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins. That may seem odd to say in mid-April, but it’s the current state of affairs with one of the more popular players on the roster.
Although the Giants appear to be prepared to move forward with or without Hankins, one of the highest-paid players on the team hopes to see Big Hank re-sign.
Hankins is a 25-year-old run stopper who has been a key asset to New York’s success since he was drafted in 2013. Now a free agent, he appears to be playing the long game in pursuit of the contract that he believes he deserves.
With the draft nearing and free agency aging, Giants star Jason Pierre-Paul took to Twitter to make a public plea for New York to bring Hankins back.
Hope my boy Hank back before OTA's because we need that front line to stay together. #90PC pic.twitter.com/ozBPd6vJpN
— Jason Pierre-Paul (@UDWJPP) April 10, 2017
Pierre-Paul raises a fair point about the strength of the defensive line.
Hankins appeared in all 16 games for the Giants in 2016, recording 43 tackles, 3.0 sacks, and a forced fumble. He suffered a sharp decline in his pass-rushing ability, but was solid against the run in his first season back from injury.
In 2014, Hankins recorded 51 tackles, 7.0 sacks, and a forced fumble in one of the stronger pass-rushing seasons by a defensive tackle.
More importantly: Hankins and Damon Harrison developed outstanding chemistry at the two defensive tackle positions in 2016.
Hankins and Harrison, as well as Jason Pierre-Paul and Olivier Vernon, helped anchor an elite defense during the 2016 season. New York ranked No. 2 in the NFL in points allowed per game and No. 10 in yards allowed per game.
Pierre-Paul seems to be of the belief that the best way for New York to build upon that success would be to keep the defense intact.
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Johnathan Hankins and the New York Giants have a critical decision on their hands.