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New York Giants: Teammates Hope That Johnathan Hankins Returns

By Nick Ziegler

Nov 8, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Giants defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins (95) talks with defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (90) against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers works out prior to the game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 8, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Giants defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins (95) talks with defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (90) against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers works out prior to the game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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The New York Giants have yet to sign defensive lineman Johnathan Hankins. His teammates hope that he does eventually return.

After spending a lot of money in the offseason last season on the defensive side of the ball, the New York Giants had one of the best defenses in the NFL last season. Due to the Giants not having a lot of money to spend this offseason, they have been trying to maintain what they have.

One of the priorities for the Giants this offseason was to get a long-term deal done with Jason Pierre-Paul. After using the franchise tag on him originally, they were able to reach an agreement on a long-term deal.

Now, the focus has turned to signing Johnathan Hankins. Hankins has been with the Giants the past few seasons, and his teammates certainly want him to return.

"“I vouch for my boy Hank,” Casillas told Dan Duggan of NJ.com. “I want him. He’s a Giant. He was drafted by the Giants. He had a great year last year. We want to keep him.”“I think we all want him back,” said Casillas. “But at the end of the day, if you feel like you need to be compensated for what he’s been doing, he deserves that. We all deserve that. It’s a business. I don’t know exactly where we’re at with him. But I vouch for him. I want him to come back. I think with him, (defensive tackle Damon Harrison), (defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul) and (defensive end Olivier Vernon), it’s going to make my job a lot easier.”"

Due to the Giants having such a good defense last season, they obviously want to keep it together. With the offense disappointing last season, it was the defense that helped win them multiple games.

"“I feel like they not only want to keep the nucleus but they’re trying to get us better as well,” Casillas said to Duggan. “You’ve got to tip your hat off to whoever’s calling the shots upstairs – (defensive coordinator Steve) Spagnuolo and Jerry Reese and all those guys. They’re trying to make sure we’re not only still a top-five defense, but a No. 1, No. 2 defense in the league.”"

One of the reasons why Hankins has yet to sign anywhere is because of his contract demands. Hankins wants to be paid a lot of money, but his performance last season doesn’t warrant that.

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One of the reasons for Hankins’ struggles last season was because of him playing out of position. With Pierre-Paul and Oliver Vernon on the edge, it was Hankins who frequently played in the middle. So far, Hankins hasn’t drawn much interest as a free agent. The Giants would certainly like to have him back, but the asking price must drop.

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