New York Giants NFL Trade Rumors: Giants Still Waiting for Johnathan Hankins to Re-Sign With Them
With 10 of their 11 starters on defense returning, the New York Giants did really well this offseason. However, they are still pursuing the only starter on the defensive line left unsigned.
A lot of people probably thought defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins won't be a free agent for long when the signing period began three weeks ago, but surprisingly, he's still on the open market right now.
Giants co-owner Steve Tisch spoke with reporters at the annual league meeting in Phoenix, Arizona and he reiterated that Hankins remains one of their top priorities this offseason and they want the interior defensive linemen back.
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"Look, I'm very optimistic that we're going to work this out. I'm pretty convinced Johnathan would like to work this out. I hope we can. I think we will. That's just going to be another position filled by another extremely talented, athletic, gifted player," Tisch said, according to the New York Post.
Giants' captain Jonathan Casillas also told NJ Advance Media that they want him back in the fold, but he also understands why he has yet to re-sign with them.
So, why is it taking so long for them to agree on a deal? NFL.com's Kimberly Jones has reported that the Giants actually offered him a fair deal, so what is he waiting for?
Apparently, the defensive tackle is asking for $10 million a year, and NJ Advance Media's Dan Duggan put the blame solely on Hankins' agent, Kevin Poston.
"Poston's contract demands for Hankins have been 'outrageous,' according to a league source. One report indicates that Hankins' camp has been seeking more than $10 million annually, which would be more than All-Pro teammate Damon Harrison."
A number of pundits have already noted that there's no way Hankins will get a deal like that right now since teams have already used up their salary cap space to sign other free agents in the past couple of weeks.
The Giants are still waiting for Hankins to re-sign with them, and he may not have any other choice but to accept their offer.
