The Redskins plan to meet with defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins, who was released by the Colts earlier today, according to John Keim of ESPN.com (Twitter link). The visit will take place on Sunday, tweets Ian Rapoport of NFL.com.
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Washington apparently isn’t interested in spending much money on its defensive line, per Keim, but if the club does invest a sum on its front four, it would be on a youthful option. Hankins fits that bill, as he’s only entering his age-26 campaign despite having already played five NFL seasons. The Redskins reportedly had some level of free agent interest in Hankins at this time a year ago, so it makes sense that they’re now circling back to the veteran.
The Colts’ switch back to a 4-3 defense reason was provided as the primary reason for Hankins’ release, but he’d played in a 4-3 look his entire career before signing with Indianapolis. Hankins did play well in Indy’s 3-4 front last season, grading as the No. 20 interior defender among 122 qualifiers, per Pro Football Focus, so he should fit in with Washington defensive coordinator Greg Manusky‘s 3-4 scheme.
The Redskins signed free agents Stacy McGee and Terrell McClain last offesason, but neither was very effective as Washington ranked 29th in rush defense DVOA and dead last in adjusted line yards. Hankins would play alongside former first-round pick Jonathan Allen if signed, and his addition could potentially place McGee and/or McClain on the Redskins’ roster bubble.