As expected, the San Francisco 49ers are releasing two-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Javon Hargrave. The team has informed Hargrave it plans to make the move on March 12, the first day of the new league year, according to ESPN.
A 2016 third-round pick out of South Carolina State, Hargrave has carved out a pretty impressive career. Drafted by the Steelers, Hargrave was a dependable starter during his four seasons in Pittsburgh. His success with Pittsburgh led to him signing a three-year, $39 million deal with the Eagles during the 2020 offseason. In 2022, Hargrave recorded a career-high 11 sacks while helping Philadelphia reach the Super Bowl.
Hargrave parlayed his success in Philadelphia into a four-year, $84 million deal with the 49ers. During his first season in San Francisco, Hargrave was named to his second Pro Bowl while helping the 49ers reach the Super Bowl. Both of Hargrave's Super Bowl appearances resulted in three-point losses to the Chiefs.
Last year, Hargrave suffered the first serious injury of his career when he partially tore his triceps in Week 3. The injury sidelined him for the remainder of the season.
Expect Hargrave to receive plenty of interest on the open market from teams that are looking to add a veteran run stuffer who is able capable of putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Meanwhile, the 49ers will begin searching for Hargrave's replacement.
Here's a look at some of the teams that might pursue Hargrave.
Steelers
Pittsburgh is looking to upgrade its defensive line after getting chewed up to the tune of 299 yards by the Ravens in January's wild-card playoff loss. Hargrave has already played in Pittsburgh and shouldn't have an issue getting reacclimated to its defense. He would reunite with several former defensive teammates that include fellow DT Cam Heyward, linebackers T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith and safety Minkah Fitzpatrick.
The Steelers will likely be interested in Hargrave, but his price tag and a deep draft class (this year's draft is considerably deep at DT) may compel Pittsburgh to pass on a reunion.
Lions
For a second straight year, Detroit's defense collapsed in the playoffs. Injuries crippled the Lions, but the fact remains that the team simply needs to make upgrade on that side of the ball. The Lions also need reinforcements with Levi Onwuzurike and Kyle Peko slated to enter free agency. Hargrave would give the Lions a proven force in the middle of their defensive line.
Bills
Buffalo currently has three defensive tackles slated to hit free agency, so there is a need to address this position. Like the Lions, Buffalo's defense came up short in the playoffs, so expect the Bills to be more aggressive this offseason when it comes to upgrading this side of the ball. In Hargrave, the Bills would get a stout presence on their defensive line who would also help solve their pass-rushing issues.
Bears
Chicago will also have a mass exodus of departures on its defensive line free agency, so expect the Bears to be active in trying to acquire new blood there. This may lead them to pursue Hargrave, who could help improve a Bears defense that was one of the worst last season against the run. It's vital for the Bears to improve in that area, as they play in a division that boasts several talented rushers that include David Montgomery, Jahmyr Gibbs and Josh Jacobs.
Packers
The Packers have been one of the NFC's better teams the last two years, but they need more talent in several areas if they going to take the next step. Among those positions is the defensive line, as the Packers didn't get much there last year in terms of pass rush. Adding Hargrave would solve that issue while also giving them a player with the cache of multiple Super Bowl appearances.
