Javon Hargrave is now the highest-paid nose tackle in the NFL. The former Steelers standout has inked a three-year, $39MM deal with the Eagles, reports ESPN’s Adam Schefter (via Twitter). The deal includes $26MM in guaranteed money.
Following a standout career at South Carolina State, the Steelers selected Hargrave in the third round of the 2016 draft. The lineman ended up spending four years in Pittsburgh, missing only a single regular season game along the way. Hargrave built off his breakout 2018 campaign this past year, finishing with 60 tackles, four sacks, and one forced fumble.
It always seemed unlikely that he’d end up sticking with the Steelers. For starters, the organization had previously handed out significant contracts to Stephon Tuitt and Cameron Heyward, so it was uncertain if the front office would want to invest even more money on the defensive line. Further, the organization was already eyeing limited cap space.
Hargrave made the decision to switch agencies back in February, with the lineman hiring Drew Rosenhaus for his representation.
That is a large man. Jesus look at that thigh!
Wow Hargrave next to Cox going to wreck havoc on interior OL
Since the Eagles do 4 down linemen, I assume he’ll be be a defensive tackle.
why?? are we going to get rid of Malik Jackson? Move him to end? Unless we can use Jackson in a trade for a CB like say Darius Slay I don’t understand this move
I don’t get this. What about Malik Jackson?
You’ll get it when you see him play.. Steelers will miss him
Why? I’m a Steelers fan and was never impressed. He is not nearly the measure of Joel Steed or Casey Hampton. Other teams never gashed the interior of Pittsburgh’s line like they did while Hargrave was in the middle. Never really understood the affection those in the Pittsburgh media had for him. He often looked undersized and could never anchor his feet like his predecessors. He’s a little better in the pass rush, but that’s not his job in the 3-4. I’d rather not have the sacks and actually hold a team to 70-80 rushing yards per game. Then again, Cam is no Aaron Smith either…
hard to know what to expect from Malik after last year.
Do they plan on sliding him to De and roll with a Graham, Cox, Hargrave, Jackson 4 man front? If they release Jackson how much is it gonna hit them with in dead money. Just doesn’t seem to make sense right now. Jackson to Detroit for Slay? until we address the CB position with is a little questionable. Before anyone tries to tell me the DL is the way to win, I understand but there is more pressing needs then this. BTW, I’m not saying this is a bad pick, I’m just saying with are limited cap room there should have been more pressure needs IMO
This sounds crazy but what if Fletcher is on the move. Does he get you a high draft pick? We are living in strange times.
I don’t see that possible at all just b/c of the cap hit they would take. I was thinking they might trade/release DT- Malik Jackson
Please god no
Look at that fatty. Good for you, bloke.
How is it we seem to always be the only team with cap issues EVERY year. Who ever gives out the contracts for the Steelers needs to go. Anyway, Hargrave is a good not great player, sad losing him but he’s not worth being paid as the highest NT in the league
Steelers management appears to LOVE “kicking the salary can” down the road every year. Admire their ability to keep the team competitive, but, your right, cap issues EVERY year!
Couldn’t agree more. I might even categorize Hargrave as “serviceable.” That is stupid money for a player with his skill set. I guess Casey spoiled us.
The Eagles love rotating linemen.
It seems like the Eagles are losers (up to this moment) I guess they are gonna try hard for Chris Harris or trade for Slay but $13mil for a 3rd DT is questionable IMO. We had/have too many holes that need to be addressed before another high priced interior DLman