Javon Hargrave #98 of the San Francisco 49ers
Minnesota Vikings Add Another Defensive Star, Closing in on Javon Hargrave
The Minnesota Vikings are making major moves to reshape their defense, and they’re not done yet. According to NFL insider Tom Pelissero, the Vikings are finalizing a deal with two-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Javon Hargrave, adding another dominant presence to their defensive line after securing Jonathan Allen. Hargrave is set to sign with Minnesota once his release from the San Francisco 49ers becomes official on Wednesday.
A Missed Opportunity for Pittsburgh?
Hargrave’s NFL journey began with the Pittsburgh Steelers, who selected him in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft. Over his four seasons in Pittsburgh, he established himself as a force on the interior, recording 168 tackles and 14.5 sacks. His play was so impactful that he even sacked Tom Brady in his prime, an achievement not lost on Steelers fans.
After his Pittsburgh tenure, Hargrave moved on to the Philadelphia Eagles, where he helped lead the team to Super Bowl LVII against the Kansas City Chiefs. His ability to disrupt the backfield and collapse the pocket made him a highly sought-after asset in free agency, ultimately landing him in San Francisco. Now, with the 49ers moving on, Hargrave finds himself in a prime position to contribute to a Vikings squad looking to revamp its defense.
Given the Steelers’ current defensive struggles, many fans hoped for a reunion. The team’s 2024 season ended on a disappointing note, with a 29-10 Christmas Day loss to the Chiefs followed by a first-round playoff exit at the hands of the Eagles. Safety DeShon Elliott even admitted, “I don’t know where we went down the line from being the defense we were, but we’ve got to get back to being who we are.” Bringing back Hargrave could have been a step in that direction, but now, he belongs to Minnesota.
Vikings’ Defensive Overhaul in Full Swing
Minnesota has been aggressive in bolstering its defensive front. Adding Hargrave alongside Allen immediately strengthens a unit that has lacked consistency in recent years. With the NFC North shaping up to be one of the most competitive divisions in the league, the Vikings appear to be making a concerted effort to contend in 2025.
Fans have taken to social media to react to the move. One X user pointed out the team’s defensive focus, writing, “Vikings going all in on D.” Another commented, “Okay Vikings. Bolstering that defense. Another good signing.” However, not everyone is convinced, with one skeptic posting, “Vikings continue to overpay for injured or washed-up players.”
What This Means for the Vikings
With Hargrave and Allen anchoring the middle, Minnesota’s defensive line could become one of the most formidable in the NFL. Their ability to pressure quarterbacks and stuff the run should give the Vikings an edge, especially in a division featuring dynamic offenses led by Jordan Love, Jared Goff, and Caleb Williams (assuming Chicago selects him first overall).
As Minnesota finalizes this deal, it’s clear the franchise is in win-now mode. The Vikings are making a statement: they’re building a defense that can compete at the highest level. With Hargrave now in the fold, the rest of the NFC North has been put on notice.
