With free agency around the corner, teams are beginning to make moves to free up cap space. The Jacksonville Jaguars have yet to join the fun, but it may be a matter of time before they start to shake up their roster. In the meantime, the Jags should be paying close attention to all the options that are suddenly becoming available. In particular, they should keep tabs on their options at defensive tackle.
John Franklin-Myers will probably be the crown jewel of this year's crop of free agents. His pass-rush skills would be a welcome addition in Jacksonville, especially when you consider his ties to general manager James Gladstone. That said, he may exceed the team's spending budget, so the Jaguars may turn to other cheaper alternatives, including one that the Minnesota Vikings may make available come the league's new calendar year.
Javon Hargrave suddenly gives the Jaguars an option at defensive tackle
Adam Schefter of ESPN reported that the Vikings informed running back Aaron Jones and defensive tackle Javon Hargrave that they'll be released by the start of free agency, barring a trade.
While Jones could give the Jags an intriguing choice to pair with running back Bhayshul Tutem if Travis Etienne leaves in free agency, Hargrave could also help them take care of their issues on the defensive line.
A third-round pick in 2016, Hargrave spent his first four seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers before signing with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2020. After a couple years in the City of Brotherly Love, the two-time Pro Bowl nod bolted for the San Francisco 49ers in 2022. He then inked a two-year deal with the Vikings last offseason, which is why the news that he'll be released may come as a bit of a surprise at first sight.
Hargrave wasn't necessarily bad in 2025, posting a Pro Football Focus overall grade of 68.0. On the other hand, he lacked consistency, and the Vikes are in dire need of cap space. When you add it all up, his expected release isn't nearly as shocking.
In 146 games with 130 starts, Hargrave has posted 49.5 sacks. His versatility to play multiple spots in different defensive schemes would make him an intriguing addition to the Jacksonville defensive front.
Why it makes sense for the Jaguars to pursue Javon Hargrave
At 33, Hargrave will still garner plenty of interest if he's available. That could make it difficult for the Jaguars to make a run for him, as they could face competition to acquire his services. But that shouldn't disuade them from taking a flyer on him.
Sure, Hargrave may not be a long-term answer given his age, but he would immediately shore up Jacksonville's defensive line, especially if Arik Armstead becomes a cap casualty.
Aside from Armstead, the Jags don't have much star power at defensive tackle. Maason Smith regressed in his sophomore season, and DaVon Hamilton is a stud against the run but doesn't offer much as a pass rusher. That makes the prospect of adding reinforcements at defensive tackle a no-brainer.
The Jaguars could ultimately turn to the draft to find help at defensive tackle, but Javon Hargrave could certainly give them flexibility to address other positions in the offseason.