The Seattle defense lacked size up front in 2023, but the reported addition of Johnathan Hankins for 2024 changes that.

The Seattle Seahawks’ inability to have a real nose tackle who could chew up space and clog the middle of the field contributed to the team’s frequent pushback during the 2023 season.

Due to the Hawks cutting Al Woods for “cash and cap” reasons during the offseason, Bryan Mone was placed on the physically unable to perform list for the entire 2023 season. However, a report from Dallas Cowboys beat writer for the Dallas Morning News Michael Gehlken indicates that the Seahawks are about to add some muscle to the inside of the defensive line.

Jonathan Hankins, a 320-pound interior defensive lineman, was originally selected by the New York Giants in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft. During his career, he has participated in 152 regular season games, with 134 starts. Hankins has also played with the Dallas Cowboys, Oakland/Las Vegas Raiders, Indianapolis Colts, and the Giants.

The Seattle Seahawks are expected to sign veteran defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins, according to NFL Media. The length and financial terms of the deal were not immediately disclosed. The reported pact also comes off the heels of Hankins visiting with the team on Tuesday.

This looming signing will spell the end of Hankins’ tenure with the Cowboys. The 31-year-old was acquired by Dallas around the trade deadline of the 2022 season in a deal with the Las Vegas Raiders. Last season, Hankins appeared in 14 regular season games for the Cowboys, tallying three sacks to go along with 27 tackles and two pass breakups along their defensive front. He did miss three games after suffering a pectoral injury in Week 14 but was able to return for the regular season finale and play in the Cowboys’ playoff loss to the Green Bay Packers in the wild-card round.