6 free-agent defensive tackles the Commanders could sign in 2024
By James Dudko
Commanders familiar option: Johnathan Hankins
Johnathan Hankins was a useful member of the rotation up front during the last season and a bit playing for Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr. He's a big body at 320 pounds, but the imposing figure is also a defensive tackle who can put heat on quarterbacks.
The 31-year-old recorded three sacks last season, including two against the Washington Commanders in Week 11. Hankins, like D.J. Reader, can also play over the ball and control the line of scrimmage. His presence would let Payne or Allen focus more on getting after the passer.
Handing Hankins a low-cost contract wouldn't earn rave reviews. Yet, it would give the Commanders a savvy pro familiar with the Quinn and Whitt playbook.
Signing Hankins would also leave Adam Peters with enough resources to fix other positions of need. Notably, linebacker and offensive line.
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