The Philadelphia Eagles have a new game-wrecker nicknamed the ‘Gravedigger’ to pair with Fletcher Cox in what should be the NFL’s most dominant interior tandem.
Javon Hargrave is leaving the Steelers to come across the state after agreeing to a three-year, $39 million deal that includes $26 million guaranteed, according to Adam Schefter.
The 89th overall pick in the 2016 draft, Hargrave played in 62 career regular-season games with the Steelers, starting 52, while racking up 168 tackles (22 for loss), 14.5 sacks and 22 quarterback hits.
Over the past two seasons, Hargrave has been dominant, tallying 67 tackles and 10.5 sacks while helping the Steelers lead the NFL in sacks during that span.
Now an Eagle, he’ll team with Fletcher Cox, while allowing Philadelphia to have one of the most versatile defensive fronts in the NFL.
Here are 4 takeaways from Hargrave’s deal:
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1. Eagles are back to prioritizing the defensive line
The Eagles prioritize the defensive line an had gotten away from the pressurized front that had given offenses hell over the 2017 and 2018 seasons.
Hargrave is a major boost to an interior defensive line that’s been lacking outside of Fletcher Cox.
2. Hargrave keeps Fletcher Cox younger
Cox isn’t a spring-chicken and has been dealing with nagging injuries over the past two seasons.
A healthy Malik Jackson, Hasson Ridgeway along with a dominant Hargrave should allow Cox to be a bit healthier and fresh for the stretch run.
3. The Eagles will be extremely versatile
Malik Jackson is listed as a defensive tackle, but he’s athletic enough to slide down to the defensive end that should allow the Eagles to put a monster front in the game when it matters most.
Whether it’s Brandon Graham, or Derek Barnett sliding down inside, with Josh Sweat and Genard Avery still on the roster, the Eagles have weapons at their disposal for any down or situation.
4. Eagles are looking to the future
Cox is a future Hall of Famer and Graham will be in the Eagles ring of honor, but both are approaching the end and Hargrave represents Howie Roseman’s quest to get extremely younger at important positions.
Hargrave is an upgrade over the likes of Timmy Jernigan and Hassan Ridgeway at the position and could have more help if the Eagles address the position in the NFL draft as well.
