Defensive tackle Javon Hargrave became an enticing name for the Green Bay Packers the moment reports indicated that the Minnesota Vikings would either trade or release him by the start of the league year. Release him they did, and it didn't take long for the Packers to scoop him off the market.
How does two years for $23 million sound? Welcome to Green Bay, Javon.
As for the Hargraves, coming to Green Bay was an exciting development as well. The two-time Pro Bowler and all-the-time father posted a video on his Instagram account, where he goes by grave_digger97, of his son reacting to the news.
"Atlanta Falcons?" his son guessed. His dad's actual new team was better than that, a revelation followed by Hargrave Jr.'s best rendition of an on-field sack celly. That guttural "Let's gooo!" could have put the scare in any opposing offensive lineman in the NFC North.
Packers fans should be just as excited for a valuable boost to the defensive front.
Javon Hargrave is still a force entering year nine
Hargrave is only two seasons removed from his last Pro Bowl with the 49ers. At 33, however, after missing most of 2024 with a torn triceps, he is at the age when even the best of the best start slowing down.
Aside from an overall solid 2025 season in Minnesota, one stat could have helped the Packers determine he still has it. Dating back to 2023, Hargrave ranks second at his position in quick pressures (via Next Gen Stats), which occur within 2.5 seconds of the snap. Ahead of him on that list is Kansas City Chiefs Hall of Fame candidate Chris Jones.
That time frame does not encompass Hargrave's best seasons. Those came under now-Packers defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon in Philadelphia, yet another reason the fit in Green Bay made only too much sense.
The 2021-22 seasons saw him put up career-bests across the board, including 18.5 sacks and 19 tackles for loss, per Pro Football Reference.
Last season, he generated 3.5 sacks and 52 total tackles in 16 games, grading out as Pro Football Focus' 35th-ranked defensive tackle out of 134.
The Packers might not be expecting another Pro Bowl bid, but Hargrave gives them the stability they desperately needed. Aside from Devonte Wyatt, Green Bay would have relied on Karl Brooks and Warren Brinson as the second DT in 4-3 sets. Those guys are fine as depth pieces, but asking either for regular starts would be a lot.
Now, they have a veteran leader with whom Gannon has a prior connection, as well as a still-productive contributor. A glaring roster hole is no more.
It seems safe to say the Hargrave family is happy to be here, and the Packers are glad to have them. Let's goo!