UPDATE: Since this article was published, the Packers have now signed Javon Hargrave, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The original article begins below:
The Green Bay Packers desperately need defensive line help, and the Minnesota Vikings may have just assisted them in their search for reinforcements in free agency.
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Vikings will release veteran defensive tackle Javon Hargrave on Wednesday. Minnesota has reportedly attempted to find a trade partner for Hargrave, but with no success, the team plans to offload his contract.
It's perfect timing for the Packers, who traded Colby Wooden to the Indianapolis Colts this week, leaving them even thinner at arguably their biggest position of need. Hargrave to Green Bay makes even more sense, given his connection to defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon.
Jonathan Gannon-Javon Hargrave connection makes it a no-brainer move for the Packers
I know free agency is usually about the Vikings signing as many former Packers as they can, but this time, the reverse could work in our favor.
Hargrave is coming off a solid season in Minnesota. He started 15 games, making 3.5 sacks, four tackles for loss, and six quarterback hits. The 33-year-old can play various positions along the defensive line, including nose tackle, an area where the Packers particularly need help. Hargrave received a 68.0 PFF grade, ranking 35th among 134 interior linemen.
Most interestingly, the best work of his career came in Gannon's system. They spent two seasons together in Philadelphia from 2021 to 2022. In that time, Hargrave recorded 18.5 sacks, 34 quarterback hits, and 19 tackles for loss, while forcing two fumbles.
Now entering his age-33 season, it's unlikely Hargrave will reach that level of production again, but he could undoubtedly contribute as a rotational piece of the Packers' defensive line next to Devonte Wyatt. Gannon's system suits him.
Even better news for the Packers?
As Minnesota released Hargrave, signing him won't impact the compensatory draft pick formula. The Packers are potentially in line to receive as many as four picks in 2027, thanks to the losses of Malik Willis, Romeo Doubs, Quay Walker, and (presumably) Rasheed Walker. They've signed Benjamin St-Juste and Skyy Moore, but adding Hargrave wouldn't cost them a pick.
The Vikings couldn't justify keeping Hargrave on the two-year, $30 million contract they handed him last offseason, especially with a $21.45 million cap hit set to hit the books. But that doesn't mean he can't offer the Packers a ton of value.
It's an easy decision. Green Bay should reunite Hargrave with Gannon and help address a major need.