One of the toughest things during the NFL offseason is trying to figure out which free agents are worth spending money on. The Pittsburgh Steelers have seen their spending habits change during free agency over the years. Some signings have been terrific, while others have flopped. Like Brandin Echols and Darius Slay this past year. Those additions can work out, or they can go up in flames.
Many who follow the Minnesota Vikings were thrilled when they signed ex-Steelers defensive tackle Javon Hargrave as a free agent. He inked a hefty two-year, $30 million contract this past offseason. He was paid handsomely to help the Minnesota defense turn things around. While the veteran trenchman has aided in their quest to stabilize their defense, he hasn't lived up to his contract.
Not everything he has done with the Vikings has been ugly, but with the amount of money he is getting paid, expectations are high.
Hargrave hasn't lived up to the elite money he was given, and many in Minnesota believe he could become a cap casualty. Minnesota could save significant cash by moving on from the aging veteran, and it might make sense for Pittsburgh to reach out and explore whether a reunion is possible.
Pittsburgh Steelers could bring DT Javon Hargrave back to town if he becomes free agent
Age appears to be catching up to the former Pro Bowler.
He will turn 33 on February 7, and it may be time to keep the price tag on his next contract in check. Unless the Vikings shock their fanbase, it seems that Hargrave will become a free agent after this season. Making the veteran a cap casualty would save the Vikings $11 million in cap space, which they could use on younger players this offseason.
Pittsburgh selected Hargrave in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft. During his time with the Steelers, he played a significant depth role with the team, while also dabbling as their nose tackle. The likes of Cam Heyward and Stephon Tuitt dug into his playing time. After a strong final season in Pittsburgh, he signed a massive contract with the Eagles, then joined the 49ers and now the Vikings.
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Cam Heyward and Hargrave remain close allies. It wouldn't surprise anyone to see the Steelers potentially having interest this offseason if their former draft pick became available. Pittsburgh should remain committed to getting younger in the trenches, but mixing a strong veteran presence can only help them.
Maybe Hargrave isn't the same player he once was, but he can certainly help in a specific role.
Maybe returning to Pittsburgh on a cheap one-year contract as a free agent could help resurrect a late resurgence in his career. He is still a solid defensive tackle who could be a starter when called upon. The Vikings seem ready to let him go, and someone might find a terrific value in free agency this offseason if they do. The Steelers would be wise to get Hargrave back in the building.