The San Francisco 49ers will release former Pittsburgh Steelers nose tackle Javon Hargrave this offseason with a post-June 1 designation. After agreeing to a four-year, $81 million deal with the 49ers, Hargrave missed the remainder of the season due to a torn triceps sustained against the Los Angeles Rams in September.
Throughout his career, Hargrave has been an interior defensive lineman for the 49ers, Steelers, and Philadelphia Eagles, posting remarkable stats. He was selected as a nose tackle by the Steelers in the 2016 NFL Draft after attending South Carolina State.
After leaving Pittsburgh, he developed into a real defensive tackle who primarily used the 3-technique. He recorded three tackles and one sack for the 49ers in three games this season.
During his tenure with the Eagles, Hargrave has recorded 46.5 career sacks and been selected to two Pro Bowls. He will rank among the best defensive linemen available for teams to sign now that he is on the market.
Although the 49ers did not rule out Hargrave returning, the terms of the contract would need to be favorable. A reunion with Hargrave is not a bad idea for the Steelers, who may be in the market for a starter defensive lineman.