Colts release DT Hankins after one season

The Indianapolis Colts released defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins just one year into his three-year deal, the team announced Saturday.

The 26-year-old, who joined the Colts on a three-year, $27 million deal in free agency last March, reportedly was due a $4.5 million roster bonus on Sunday. The Indianapolis Star reported that the Colts' shift to a 4-3 defense under new coordinator Matt Eberflus prompted the move.

According to an NFL Network report, Hankins will take his first free agent visit with the Washington Redskins on Sunday. The Redskins also are bringing in recently released Dallas Cowboys cornerback Orlando Scandrick for a visit.

Washington's interest in a pair of released veterans is notable, as such players don't factor into the league's formula for compensatory picks. The Redskins will receive a compensatory third-round pick in 2019 for Kirk Cousins' departure as long as they don't sign at least two more qualifying free agents.

Hankins posted 44 tackles, two sacks and three passes defensed for the Colts in 2017. A second-round pick in 2013, he tallied 140 tackles and 10 sacks across 52 games (41 starts) with the New York Giants from 2013 to 2016, including a seven-sack season in 2014.

--Field Level Media