Johnathan Hankins rumors: Are Miami Dolphins still in play?

The New York Giants are apparently waiting on Johnathan Hankins to make a decision on an offer that has reportedly been on the table since before the beginning of free agency. The Giants, though, might still have some competition.

The entertaining but seemingly well-informed Almando Salguero of the Miami Herald writes that the Miami Dolphins have called Hankins “at least half a dozen times.” The Dolphins, like everyone else, have not been willing to meet Hankins’ asking price. A source told me recently that while Hankins has come off the $10 million annual salary he was originally seeking, he is still hoping for $8 million annually on a multi-year deal.

With Jason Pierre-Paul and Keenan Robinson back in the fold, Hankins is the lone remaining key player from last year’s dominant defense not yet back with the Giants. Reserve cornerback Coty Sensabaugh signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers, and middle linebacker Kelvin Sheppard appears unlikely to be brought back.