NFL Notes: Johnathan Hankins, Chargers, Packers, Saints

Johnathan Hankins

• Dan Duggan of NJ.com spoke with multiple NFL sources regarding free agent DT Johnathan Hankins and why he’s still available.
• According to Duggan, NFL insiders believe Hankins’ agents have “grossly misread” the market for their client with one source telling him that “this is the worst case of an agent misjudging a market they’ve ever seen.“
• Some reports have said that Hankins is seeking a multi-year contract that would pay him over $10 million per year, but it’s clear that this deal isn’t out there for him.
• A recent report mentioned that the Giants still have their multi-year offer on the table for Hankins.
• We have him featured in our Top 50 Available Free Agents list.

Chargers

New Chargers HC Anthony Lynn told reporters at the owners meetings Tuesday that it’s time for them to bring in a young quarterback.

“I think we do have to get a young quarterback on campus and start to develop someone, because we have two veteran quarterbacks and both of them are long in the tooth,” Lynn said, via ESPN.com. “I think they have some good years left in them, don’t get me wrong, but you have to start thinking about down the line, too.

“I would love for a young quarterback to get in here and learn from Philip. Philip is the ultimate pro in my opinion, so it would be a good situation for a young quarterback that doesn’t have to come in and play right now, but can sit, watch and learn.”

Packers

Packers HC Mike McCarthy indicated that they will not move either Bryan Bulaga or Jason Spriggs to right guard in an attempt to replace veteran T.J. Lang, who signed with the Lions.

“I thought had his best year at right tackle last year and I’m not really looking to move him because I think Bryan – I don’t think, I know — Bryan and David [Bakhtiari] gave us an outstanding combination of right and left tackle play,” McCarthy said on Tuesday, via Rob Demovsky.

As for Spriggs, McCarthy said: “He’s a tackle. The first thing you have to say about Jason is he can play left tackle in this league, and that’s huge. That’s a priority position in my view. That tells you the importance that he has to our offensive line. I think we’re very fortunate we have David, Bryan Bulaga and Jason, so we have three high quality tackles.”

Saints

• Saints GM Mickey Loomis mentioned that he views cornerback and pass rusher as areas they still “must” address this offseason. (Larry Holder)
• The Saints will host Youngstown State DE Derek Rivers for a visit and New Orleans has reportedly “shown a lot of interest” in Michigan DE Taco Charlton throughout the predraft process. (Herbie Teope)
• Loomis said of their interest in Patriots RFA CB Malcolm Butler: “We’re kicking the tires, I guess is the best way to describe that. We’ll see how that process works.” (Nick Underhill)
• In regards to the Saints possibly signing Butler to an offer sheet, Larry Holder gets the sense that they’re unlikely to go this route.
• As for their decision to trade WR Brandin Cooks to the Patriots, Loomis said: “There was no addition by subtraction element. This was a good player and we’re just trying to help our defense.” (Nick Underhill)