The Pittsburgh Steelers would reportedly love to reunite with former defensive tackle Javon Hargrave in free agency.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are expected to strengthen their defensive line this offseason after spending a lot of resources to rebuild their offensive line the past two years. The Steelers will likely do so via the 2025 NFL Draft, but some believe they could also look to reunite with one of their former defensive lineman in free agency.
According to Andrew Fillipponi of Pittsburgh's 93.7 The Fan, the Steelers have staff members who would love to bring back former defensive tackle Javon Hargrave.
Hargrave, 32, was the Steelers' third-round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. He played his first four seasons in Pittsburgh before signing with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2020 and then with the San Francisco 49ers in 2023.
His massive four-year, $84 million contract with the 49ers had been scheduled to run through the 2026 season, but general manager John Lynch recently revealed the team's plans to release Hargrave for salary cap purposes.
"Would we be interested in having him? Of course," Lynch said . "Is that something we've come to an agreement on and is it something that fits in our plans? We'll see."
The salary cap might not be the only reason the 49ers are looking to part ways with Hargrave this offseason, however. The 32-year-old missed most of the 2024 season after suffering a torn triceps muscle in Week 3. In those three games, he recorded seven tackles, one tackle for loss, one quarterback hit and one sack.
Hargrave had been very productive before his disappointing 2024 campaign. From 2021-23, he averaged 8.5 sacks, 56 tackles, nine tackles for loss and 16 quarterback hits per season, while being named to two Pro Bowls and playing in two consecutive Super Bowls, with the Eagles in 2022 and the 49ers in 2023.
Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Javon Hargrave sacks Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) during the first half of an NFL football game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2022, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
That paired with his familiarity with the Steelers defense could make a return to Pittsburgh very possible. Plus, it would give the Steelers more flexibility heading into the 2025 NFL Draft.
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