The Pittsburgh Steelers selected Javon Hargrave in the third round of the 2016 draft. He spent the first four years of his career in Pittsburgh, enjoying moderate success. However, he really blossomed after he left, making two Pro Bowls in his time away from the Steelers. He signed with the Minnesota Vikings last offseason, but now, Hargrave is on the trade block, according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz.
“Sources: The Vikings have had trade talks with teams regarding 2X Pro Bowl DT Javon Hargrave,” Schultz wrote Tuesday on Twitter. “Hargrave started 15 games last year and had 3.5 sacks in his first season in Minnesota.”
Sources: The #Vikings have had trade talks with teams regarding 2x Pro Bowl DT Javon Hargrave.
Hargrave started 15 games last year and had 3.5 sacks in his first season with Minnesota. pic.twitter.com/72siZt5Ul1
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) February 24, 2026
Perhaps the Steelers are one of the teams that have talked with the Vikings about Hargrave. It wasn’t like they wanted him to leave; they simply couldn’t afford to pay him.
They still have a need along their defensive line, and they’ve got a surplus of draft capital they could use in a trade. However, it might not make sense for the Steelers to entertain bringing Hargrave back.
First, Hargrave’s current price tag doesn’t match his production, as our Dave Bryan relayed on Twitter. Hargrave’s due almost $15 million next season, and he seems to be on the decline. He just turned 33, and injuries limited him to only three games in 2024. While Hargrave appeared in 16 games in 2025, his production was down, recording only 3.5 sacks. That was his lowest total in a healthy season since 2017.
Javon Hargrave is due nearly $15M in total in 2026 and that will be a hard contract to trade if the Vikings don't eat a chunk of it as part of that. Probably winds up being released outright. #Steelers #NFL https://t.co/MPQIOprM9m
— Steelers Depot 7⃣ (@Steelersdepot) February 24, 2026
It might be tough for any team to rationalize taking on Hargrave’s contract, which makes it seem more likely that he’ll be released outright. That would make it easier for the Steelers to potentially add him.
Hargrave might not be the same player that he once was, but he could be a nice veteran option in the trenches for the Steelers. That would be especially true if Cam Heyward retires. Keeanu Benton, Derrick Harmon, and Yahya Black give them nice youthful options up front, but adding another veteran to that group wouldn’t hurt.
That hinges on what Hargrave’s price tag is. If he does get traded, it likely wouldn’t cost too much. Just as well, he shouldn’t command as much money as he did last year if the Vikings release him. Maybe a reunion with the Steelers is on the table, but it would be more ideal if they could sign him rather than trading for him.
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