NFL Free Agency Primer: Javon Hargrave

The regular season has come to a close, and most teams have already begun the complicated process of preparing for the 2023 season. In the coming months, we'll be covering the impending free agents most capable of shifting the balance of power in the NFL.

The Player: Javon Hargrave

Philadelphia Eagles defensive lineman Javon Hargrave has been an elite interior pass rusher for years now, but never more so than in 2022, his contract year. The 29-year-old notched 11.0 sacks for an elite Eagles defense that tallied an astonishing 70 total sacks over the regular season. He also compiled 7.5 sacks in 2021, earning his first and only Pro Bowl.

The Fit:

Hargrave would be an ideal addition to a team looking to add a devastating pass rusher to the inside of their defense. The incredible depth of the Eagles defensive line means he wasn't an every-down player in recent seasons, and his age means he isn't likely to benefit from an increased role. He'd be a good addition for a contending team trying to jump a level or for a team that has cap space burning a hole in their pocket. An NFC East rival could make some sense, as well as perhaps the New England Patriots.

The Cost:

Hargrave is an excellent and somewhat underrated player, but his age and the abundance of talent on the Eagles roster mean there's a very strong chance the Eagles will be hesitant to place a franchise tag on him. $18+ million on a one-year deal would be a steep price to pay, and he'd be unlikely to exceed that in per year value on the open market. He'll probably end up with a deal closer to the three-year, $49.5 million deal signed by Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett in 2022.

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