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4 defensive tackles who could replace Javon Hargrave for the Steelers

By Tommy Jaggi

ORCHARD PARK, NY - DECEMBER 29: Jordan Phillips #97 of the Buffalo Bills puts on his helmet during the second quarter against the New York Jets at New Era Field on December 29, 2019 in Orchard Park, New York. New York defeats Buffalo 13-6. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NY - DECEMBER 29: Jordan Phillips #97 of the Buffalo Bills puts on his helmet during the second quarter against the New York Jets at New Era Field on December 29, 2019 in Orchard Park, New York. New York defeats Buffalo 13-6. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /
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The Steelers are likely to lose defensive tackle Javon Hargrave to free agency this year. Here are three cheaper options who could help fill his role.

The NFL free agency period is yet to begin, but some recent news on Javon Hargrave has shed some light on his likelihood of returning to the Steelers in 2020. NFL agent, Drew Rosenhaus, recently took to social media – posting a picture of Hargrave inking a deal for his services.

For anyone who knows this part of the business, that was not good news for Pittsburgh’s chances of retaining him. Rosenhaus is known for getting excellent money for his players, and this move is more assurance that Hargrave will test the free-agent market.

Hargrave was a rock-solid rotational piece for the Steelers over his first four seasons. Unfortunately, Pittsburgh may be left with a void in the middle of their defense. Here are three free-agent defensive tackles who could potentially help fill the void at a cheaper cost:

Jordan Phillips

Jordan Phillips is a player the Steelers expressed some interest in back in the 2015 NFL Draft. Though he is nowhere near as explosive off the line of scrimmage as Hargrave, he offers a massive body and excellent power in the middle of Pittsburgh’s defense.

At 6’6” and 341 pounds, Phillips is a massive human being. He has never been the most consistent player from play to play, but his impressive statistical production in 2019 (9.5 sacks, 13 tackles for a loss, 16 quarterback hits) suggests that he could be a factor on the Steelers front seven.

Pillips and Hargrave are both 27 years old. However, Phillips is projected to make just $6.1 million per year on his next contract compared to Hargrave’s projected $14.7 million.

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