Steelers Should Try to Trade For Old Friend Javon Hargrave
Story by Yinzer Crazy Contributor Jobe Morrison. Follow him on Twitter @JobeM127
At one point, it felt like once you left the Steelers, your journey with them was over for good. Sure, the Rooney’s, Colbert, Cowher, and Tomlin have all been quoted with the saying, “once a Steeler, always a Steeler.” However, let’s be real. Up until more recently, that didn’t mean you would just be “welcomed” back. It seems that trend changed in 2010 when Antwaan Randle El and Larry Foote made their surprise returns to the Steel City; both being free-agent departures after their last Super Bowl victories with the Steelers.
With the retirement of Stephon Tuitt, there are a lot of questions on the defensive line. Cameron Heyward, Chris Wormley, and Isaiahh Loudermilk all return—the majority on defensive line snaps last year. They do get Tyson Alualu back, but he is coming off of a season-ending injury at 35. Montravius Adams was a refreshing addition late last year and the drafting of DeMarvin Leal certainly looked like the Steelers were somewhat preparing for this possibility.
Still, aside from Heyward, Wormley, and Alualu… there’s not a lot of experienced, proven depth along the defensive line. The Steelers may need to consider a free agent or trade for this offseason. The free-agent market is limited with a lot of older defensive linemen. Instead, there’s one name I think the Steelers should consider—a reunion with current Eagle’s DL Javon Hargrave.
Hargrave was drafted by the Steelers in 2016—easily their best pick of the class. He spent 4 years with the black & gold and made his biggest impact at nose tackle. He received a much bigger role after Tuitt’s injury early in 2019 in a game in Los Angeles. He went on to sign a big deal across the state in Pennsylvania and has performed well—recording 101 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, and 12 sacks. He is in a contract year now. Just a sidebar - the Eagles drafted nose tackle Jordan Davis out of UGA. The Steelers have a need and he is a familiar face.
He would come with a cost. Not just in draft capital, but also in salary. The Steelers would probably absorb $13M in a trade right now. However, with newly appointed GM Omar Khan, there is certainly an opportunity to move money around. Additionally, Hargrave is only 29 years old. He is beginning to come to his own. He could very well get a new contract upon arrival.
It certainly makes sense. Bringing in a familiar face, fulfilling a need along the defensive line, and a potential answer for the future on the defensive line—even if just for the next 3-4 years. The cost may not be cheap. Last year, the Steelers reportedly discussed acquiring Fletcher Cox from the Eagles. The deal seemed to have fallen through when the Eagles stood firm on a 3rd round pick for compensation.
If that’s the cost, I’d very much consider it for Hargrave. You’ll have a familiar face still playing good football that will bolster your depth and provide a future for the D-Line. For only a 3rd round pick? Personally, sign me up.
It remains to be seen if the Steelers will address the defensive trenches anytime soon—or at all. They may be comfortable where they are at. After all, YinzerCrazy’s very own Chris Wormley is coming off a career year recording 7.5 sacks, and Alualu's presence is always felt on the field.
Should the Steelers entertain a trade and contract extension that creates a reunion? Tell us what you think!
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