The Green Bay Packers entered NFL free agency with a dire need at defensive tackle. When Devonte Wyatt went down with a broken ankle last year, the lack of depth at the position was horribly exposed. What is more, Green Bay traded Colby Wooden to the Indianapolis Colts over the weekend for linebacker Zaire Franklin.
Undoubtedly, defensive tackle is a position that the Packers are going to hit often in the 2026 NFL Draft. That being said, many wanted Green Bay to go out and get a veteran in free agency so that there would not be a rookie starting on the defensive line.
And that is exactly what they did.
The Green Bay Packers sign 2x Pro Bowl defensive tackle Javon Hargrave
Nov 2, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) is brought down by Minnesota Vikings defensive lineman Javon Hargrave (97) in the third quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images
On Wednesday, the new league year officially began. All of the signings and trades that were reported earlier this week became official. Additionally, the Packers went out and signed two-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Javon Hargrave:
From Minnesota to Green Bay: Former Vikings DT Javon Hargrave reached agreement today on a 2-year deal for $23 million, including $13 million this year with the Packers, per Drew Rosenhaus. pic.twitter.com/IlxbrGFn7Q
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 11, 2026
Hargrave reunites with Jonathan Gannon, who was the defensive coordinator of the Philadelphia Eagles during his time with that team. Together, they helped lead the Eagles to a Super Bowl appearance.
Last year, Hargrave played for the Minnesota Vikings. He appeared in 16 games and accumulated 3.5 sacks and 52 total tackles.
Hargrave was originally a third round pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2016 NFL Draft. After four years in Pittsburgh, he spent three in Philadelphia. 2021 saw him make his first Pro Bowl as he had a then-career-high 7.5 sacks. The following year, in 2022, he had 11.0.
Following his three seasons with the Eagles, Hargrave signed with the San Francisco 49ers. He made his second career Pro Bowl in 2023 when he had 7.0 sacks.
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