All in? Exodus of Cowboys continues as run-stopping DT Johnathan Hankins joins Seahawks

So far, the “all in” proclamation from owner Jerry Jones has looked more like “all out the door” in free agency for the Dallas Cowboys.

The exodus continued Tuesday with run-stopping nose tackle Johnathan Hankins coming to agreement with the Seattle Seahawks, after two seasons in Dallas.

Hankins wanted to remain with the Cowboys but couldn’t pass up a better offer from the Seahawks over the cap-strapped Cowboys.

Hankins is the eighth Dallas free agent to find a new team this offseason.

The others are: defensive ends Dorance Armstrong and Dante Fowler, center Tyler Biadasz and cornerback Noah Igbinoghene with the Washington Commanders; running back Tony Pollard with the Tennessee Titans; defensive tackle Neville Gallimore with the Miami Dolphins; and offensive tackle Tyron Smith with the New York Jets.

The Cowboys have retained four free agents in running back Rico Dowdle, cornerback Jourdan Lewis, cornerback/special teams ace C.J. Goodwin and long snapper Trent Sieg.

The Cowboys have signed one outside free agent in linebacker Eric Kendricks.

The loss of Hankins is a big blow to the team’s plan to improve a suspect run defense from 2023.

Hankins wasn’t a Pro Bowl-level player but his size made a difference for the run defense when he was on the field.

And his presence offset the disappointing rookie season from 2023 first-round pick Mazi Smith, who recorded only 13 tackles as a rookie and played just four snaps in the season-ending playoff loss to the Green Bay Packers.

With just three defensive tackles on the roster — Carl Davis and Osa Odighizuwa are the others — it is a position will look to bolster in the draft and free agency.