Denver Broncos: Johnathan Hankins on the radar
Free agency is less than a month away now and Denver Broncos appear to have Johnathan Hankins on their radar as we draw close to the frenzy.
According to Benjamin Albright’s source, the Denver Broncos will show interest in Johnathan Hankins as the opening of free agency looms.
News broke a couple of days ago that the Broncos will not be aggressive in retaining Domata Peko. At least initially, the Broncos are headed in a different direction. That’s not to say Denver can’t circle back and sign him as a second or third wave free agent.
It is important to remember that Peko’s leadership and locker room presence cannot be overstated. If Denver cannot bring him back, then Hankins is a great fit in the Mile High City.
There’s a difference with Peko and Hankins right now. Peko (still productive) is 34 and Hankins is 26. Hankins would be a tremendous addition to the Denver Broncos. While his presence with the Oakland Raiders was short-lived, he was a force with the New York Giants in 2014 and with Indianapolis Colts.
This would not be the first Colt defensive linemen Denver would sign. Zach Kerr (free agent) signed with the team in 2017. Hankins is a fearsome presence in the middle of the defensive line and would be a nice addition.
The biggest draw for Hankins is the opportunity to take his game to the next level. Back when he was with the Giants he had 7.0 sacks in 2014. No one is Aaron Donald to accumulate 20-plus sacks in a season, but seven sacks is an incredible feat for someone in the middle.
There is even a chance Denver adds him as a starter. It all depends on his market value. Hankins signed a three-year deal worth $27 million and $15.9 million guaranteed from the Colts. Contrast that with the Raiders deal where he just signed a one-year deal after being a surprise cut back in March of 2018.
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It is difficult to predict what type of deal Denver would sign him too. My guess is a two-year deal and meets somewhere in the middle to where Hankins has to prove he still has the talent from the 2014 Giants days.