Cincinnati Bengals
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The Bengals could target Javon Hargrave
The Cincinnati Bengals are a week away from free agency, and with over $50 million available in cap space, the team should be busy. The Bengals have been gettinglisted as a landing spot for several free agents around the league, particularly defensive players.
This is due to Cincinnati’s defensive struggles during the 2025 season, in which they allowed the third-most points in the NFL. The team has been regressing on defense every year since 2022, when they had a top-five defense and made the AFC Championship. Since then, the Bengals have not made the playoffs despite having superstar talent on offense.
With a positive cap situation, and players who seem desperate to return to the postseason, it seems likely the Bengals will retool their defense in free agency.Bengals Wire writer Chris Roling noted that the team “will hunt for defensive line help in free agency and the draft this offseason.” Now, he listed a potential $30 million player who could be available for Cincinnati.
Cincinnati Bengals Could Target Javon Hargrave
ESPN insider Adam Schefter reported that the Minnesota Vikings are planning on releasing defensive lineman Javon Hargrave later in the month if a trade partner cannot be found. Hargrave signed a two-year, $30 million contract with the Vikings prior to the 2025 season. Regarding the Bengals possibly adding him, Roling said, “Adding him to the rotation at what should be an affordable cap hit could give the depth chart a much-needed boost.”
Following his Pro Bowl season with San Francisco in 2023, Hargrave suffered a season-ending injury in 2024 after three games. With the Vikings last season, Hargrave totaled only 3.5 sacks, which were the fewest for him in a full season since 2017. Despite the sack total,Pro Football Focus still graded him well, as he ranked 35th among 134 defensive linemen. His 70.0 pass rush grade was among the best 32 in the NFL.
In his Pro Bowl 2023 season, he was graded as the fourth-best pass-rushing defensive lineman.. The Bengals could either trade a late-round pick for Hargrave or attempt to sign him if he is released.
Thoughts on Possible Hargrave Addition
Sports Illustrated’s Zach Pressnell also commented on potentially adding Hargrave. He wrote, “Adding a veteran Hargrave would be the perfect move. He’s been a staple in the middle of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Philadelphia Eagles, San Francisco 49ers, and Minnesota Vikings defensive lines. He put together another good year last season, but the cap hit is too much for a struggling Vikings team to handle. Hargrave isn’t being cut for a lack of production.
This would fill one of the biggest holes on the Bengals defense at an affordable price, which would allow them to freely attack the NFL draft with their sights set on the best player available at pick No. 10 and beyond.”
Hargrave has played in 146 games in his 10-year NFL career. He has totaled 49 sacks and been selected to the Pro Bowl twice.