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Analyst likes the signing of a former Vikings DL for the Packers
TL;DR
The Packers have signed former Vikings defensive lineman Javon Hargrave, who received a B- rating from analyst Seth Walder. Hargrave, 33, is expected to bring effective pass-rushing skills and reunites with defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon, who previously coached him in Philadelphia.
The departure of several key players on the Vikings' defensive line has the unit looking different heading into the 2026 NFL Draft. They signed several key players, such as Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave, last season, and yet they moved on from them in part due to the emergence of Jalen Redmond.
However, the Vikings' loss is someone else's gain as both men found homes quickly in free agency. Enough time has passed, and now analysts like ESPN's Seth Walder are giving their final grades on the moves.
As it relates to the signing of Javon Hargrave, Walder gave it a B- rating. He explains his thoughts on the move, writing, "Hargrave is 33 but still an effective pass rusher. Though he had only 3.5 sacks in 16 games last season in Minnesota, he put up a pass rush win rate in the 88th percentile for a defensive tackle, albeit against a lower-than-average double-team rate. His run stop win rate ranked in the 22nd percentile for an interior lineman. It was a solid bounce back for Hargrave after a partially torn triceps limited him to three games in 2024 with the 49ers. He can align as a three-technique or a nose tackle. His arrival serves as a reunion with new Packers defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon, who was Hargrave's defensive coordinator in Philadelphia in 2021 and 2022. Hargrave amassed 18.5 combined sacks those two seasons and had a 96th percentile pass rush win rate."
Hargrave is someone who has been hot and cold throughout his NFL career. That could indicate he is due for a bounce back, and as Walder writes, he is reunited with Jonathan Gannon, which could provide that spark. Time will tell, but the Vikings will selfishly be hoping the move isn't as much of a hit as Walder projects.
This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: NFL Free Agency: Javon Hargrave gets good grade for signing
Q&A
What is Javon Hargrave's performance history in the NFL?
Javon Hargrave has had a fluctuating career, with notable seasons including 18.5 combined sacks in 2021 and 2022, but he also faced challenges, such as a partially torn triceps that limited him to three games in 2024.
Why did the Vikings let go of Javon Hargrave?
The Vikings moved on from Javon Hargrave due to the emergence of Jalen Redmond and the signing of other key players, including Jonathan Allen and Hargrave himself, in previous seasons.
How does Javon Hargrave's signing impact the Packers' defense?
Javon Hargrave's signing is expected to enhance the Packers' defense by providing a skilled pass rusher and reuniting him with defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon, which could lead to improved performance.
