The San Francisco 49ers make one of the biggest moves of the early wave of free choice. CBS Sports NFL insider Jonathan Jones The Niners are reportedly signing former Philadelphia Eagles defenseman Javon Hargrave to a four-year, $84 million deal. The deal includes $40 million in guaranteed money, via ESPN.
Hargrave, who turned 30 in February, is having arguably the best season of his career after ending 2022 with 11 sacks, 10 tackles for loss and 16 quarterback hits from his defensive inside position. He was one of the lynchpins of the Eagles frontline, leading the NFL in sacks and helping spur the team on its quest to the Super Bowl.
More NFL free agency
Hargrave, who was originally selected in the third round by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2016, signed a three-year, $39 million deal with Philadelphia in 2020.
Hargrave joins a San Francisco defensive line that is also among the best in football. He will settle on the inside alongside Arik Armstead and Javon Kinlaw (assuming both stay on for the upcoming season) and help Nick Bosa finish off the opposing quarterback.
The Niners lost defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans to the Houston Texans earlier this offseason, but brought in former interim Carolina Panthers head coach Steve Wilks to lead the defense. He now works alongside another talented player at the helm, joining a unit that also includes Fred Warner, Dre Greenlaw, Charvarius Ward, Talanoa Hufanga and more. The Niners should once again have one of the best defenses in the league in 2023, which should help keep the team competitive whether Trey Lance or Brock Purdy are the center of offense.