It’s a good day to be Javon Hargrave. And he knows it. Moments after tweeting out the “eye” emoji, he can add the “money bag” one to his timeline. He’s signing a four-year, $80 million deal with the San Francisco 49ers, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
It’s worth noting NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport says it’s worth $84 million.
UPDATE (3:35 PM): Apparently Hargrave’s choice came down to either the Browns or 49ers.
Hargrave was expected to get paid handsomely this offseason and joins an elite 49ers defense. A third-round pick of the Steelers out of South Carolina State in 2016, he spent four years in Pittsburgh, recording 14.5 sacks in the middle of the defense. He left after the 2019 season and went cross-state to Philadelphia, where a friendlier system helped him break out for 23 sacks over his last three seasons. He had his best season in 2022, finishing with a career-high 11 sacks. The 49ers will add Hargrave to a line with reigning Defensive Player of the Year Nick Bosa. San Francisco’s defense was the NFL’s best in 2022, finishing first in points per game allowed (16.3) and total yards allowed (300.6).
Some Steelers fans hoped Hargrave could somehow find his way back to Pittsburgh. But that was never a realistic option. The Steelers will look elsewhere for d-line help, either by re-signing Larry Ogunjobi and cheaper free agents in addition to the draft. They’ve already shown interest in Florida DL Gervon Dexter and Wisconsin DL Keeanu Benton.
Hargrave is a one-time Pro Bowler and now has earned that mega payday. He was expected to be one of the top free agents on the market and has a contract that reflects it.
For his career, Hargrave has 37.5 sacks in 111 career games.
Cam Heyward tweeted to congratulate Hargrave on the news.
