There were a lot of players that set themselves up for some big paydays this upcoming offseason. One of those players was Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Javon Hargrave.
Javon Hargrave picked a great time to have the best season of his professional career. In 2022, he set career highs in sacks with 11, tackles for loss with 10 and passes defended with two. He also had 16 quarterback hits and two fumble recoveries to round out an impressive stat line.
After establishing himself as a very good defensive tackle to start his career with the Pittsburgh Steelers, things have taken off the last three seasons in Philadelphia. Javon Hargrave has solidified himself as one of the premier interior defensive linemen in the NFL, able to disrupt the game in more ways than one.
Some people will see his age as a knock, as he just turned 30 in February. However, Javon Hargrave is still projected to cash in on a lucrative deal as a free agent. Where could he end up in free agency? Here are three possible destinations for him in free agency.
The 49ers had an elite defense during the 2022 season, ranking first overall in points and yardage allowed. However, if their performance during the NFC Championship Game against the Philadelphia Eagles was an indication of anything, it is that the interior of their defense could use some help.
The 49ers are great on the edge, led by Defensive Player of the Year Nick Bosa. But against the Eagles, it didn’t matter how strong they were on the perimeter as they got steamrolled on the interior. Finding some help next to Javon Kinlaw this offseason is imperative and Javon Hargrave would help.
His presence as a pass rusher has been noted, but he also does a good job in containing the middle on the run game. While his run defense numbers dropped with the Eagles, he showed that he can excel in that role during his time with the Steelers. Whatever is asked of him, he can get done.
The Vikings are going to be overhauling their defense in 2022. They need help at every level as there are a few bright spots on the roster, but overall, the unit struggled mightily. Minnesota was 28th in points allowed and 31st in yardage last season and if they want to make a deeper run in the postseason next year, that has to be fixed.
The Vikings have some juice off the edge with Za’Darius Smith and Danielle Hunter, but the interior of the defense was lacking. Dalvin Tomlinson was the best option they had, but he didn’t create much pressure on the quarterback with 30 pressures on 348 pass rush attempts.
To make matters worse, Minnesota also got gauged on the ground, giving up 4.5 yards per carry. Depending on the weekly game plan, Javon Hargrave could fill both needs for the Vikings. He is versatile enough to hold up in the run game or get after the quarterback as a pass rusher. Whatever is needed at the time, he can provide.
The Chargers made some big moves last off-season on the defensive side of the ball. Looking to provide Joey Bosa with a pass-rushing bookend, they acquired Khalil Mack from the Chicago Bears. Bolstering the secondary, they made a splash in free agency by signing J.C. Jackson away from the New England Patriots.
Los Angeles also thought it addressed its need on the interior by signing Austin Johnson and Sebastian Joseph-Day to upgrade the defensive tackle positions. Neither excelled, posting underwhelming grades in the 50s in 2022.
Adding an impact player at defensive tackle, such as Javon Hargrave, would be a perfect addition to this defense. Morgan Fox was the only interior defensive lineman with more than 20 pressures last season and the Chargers were dead last in the NFL giving up 5.4 yards per carry. Both of those areas would be instantly upgraded by Javon Hargrave’s presence and performance.
