Matt LaFleur Javon Hargrave
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SI on Packers Bill Huber called former Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Javon Hargrave a free agency target for Matt LaFleur and the Green Bay Packers.
The Green Bay Packers don’t typically sign unrestricted free agents older than 30. But SI on Packers’ Bill Huber argued the team should make an exception for defensive lineman Javon Hargrave this offseason.
Huber named the veteran defensive tackle one of the more realistic free agent targets for the Packers this offseason.
“Hargrave, 33, was 18th in PFF’s pass-rushing productivity,” Huber wrote. “Hargrave was with Gannon in Philadelphia in 2021 and 2022 and had a total of 18.5 sacks and 19 tackles for losses during those seasons.”
The Minnesota Vikings haven’t quite made it official yet. But ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Sunday the team told Hargrave it would release him before March 11 if it couldn’t trade him.
Hargrave spent just one season with the Packers division rival. The Vikings will save $11 million with his release.
Could Packers Target Javon Hargrave in 2026 NFL Free Agency?
Huber identified a couple different veteran defensive linemen the Packers could target in 2026 NFL free agency. Any of them would break the rule the team usually keeps to not sign a free agent older than 30.
Hargrave could be the best fit because of his previous relationship with Packers new defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon.
With Gannon as his Philadelphia Eagles DC, Hargrave became a force against the run and pass. In addition to 18.5 sacks and 19 tackles for loss, Hargrave posted 123 combined tackles, three pass defenses and two forced fumbles.
In 2021, Hargrave made his first Pro Bowl. Then during 2022, Hargrave arguably experienced his best NFL season, registering a career-high 11 sacks.