The San Francisco 49ers’ defensive front added a key player on the first day of the NFL’s free agency era.
Javon Hargrave, the top free agent on NFL.com analyst Gregg Rosenthal’s Top 101 list, agreed to a four-year, $84
million contract with the Niners on Monday, according to NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport.
Hargrave’s signing comes one day after Daron Payne re-signed with the Washington Commanders for $90 million
over four years, a transaction that helped set the market on defense. The Philadelphia Eagles expected Hargrave to
be out of their price range, but it is still a significant loss for the NFL’s top-ranked sack unit.
Hargrave, who turned 30 last month, will join an already deep front in San Francisco, led by Nick Bosa and Arik
Armstead. Last season, the 49ers were #1 in defense, but they’re changing defensive coordinators, with Steve Wilks
replacing DeMeco Ryans, who is now the Texans’ head coach.
The Steelers selected Hargrave, who is 6-foot-1 and weighs 305 pounds, in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft. He
signed as a free agent with the Eagles in 2020, and his pass-rushing opportunities have increased since then.
Hargrave has recorded 23.0 sacks over the last three seasons, including a career-high 11.0 last season.
The 49ers witnessed firsthand Hargrave’s dominance in the NFC Championship Game, when he recorded a sack, five
tackles, and a pass defensed, helping pressure the 49ers’ quarterbacks and propelling the Eagles to Super Bowl LVII.
The 49ers were not anticipated to make a major splash in free agency, with 20 unrestricted free agents and less than
$10 million in salary-cap room. However, defensive tackle was a concern for the 49ers, who are always open to a
free-agent surprise. Hargrave fits the bill and should improve an already fearsome rush unit.