Brian Gutekunst describes Javon Hargrave as ideal addition to Packers defense
At the NFL owners meetings, Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst said this about newly acquired veteran Javon Hargrave: “He’s a complete player.”
PHOENIX – Given the Green Bay Packers ’ priorities, Javon Hargrave was an almost perfect fit to be their biggest addition this offseason. He’s long provided steady production at one of their biggest needs, helping fill a void on the defensive line Kenny Clark left vacant a year ago. Hargrave has both defended the run and rushed the passer in his career, meaning he can play all downs.
His best season, and the first of two Pro Bowl years, came when Jonathan Gannon was the Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator in 2021. And the Minnesota Vikings released him last season, meaning Hargrave won’t count against the formula allotting compensatory draft picks to the Packers next year. About the only unknown as Hargrave enters his age-33 season is how much quality play he has left.
If there is any concern about mileage, Hargrave won’t get an opportunity to show that until the fall, but the Packers were enticed enough to quickly sign him to a two-year, $23 million contract after becoming available. “Obviously, he’s been an exceptional player in his career,” Packers general manager Gutekunst said March 30 at the NFL owners meetings. “He’s been one of those guys that’s excelled as a run stopper and a pass rusher.
He’s a complete player. “I just think again we’ve lost a few guys on the defensive interior there, and we just needed to add something. I think particularly because he was released, he was not part of the compensatory formula, he just fit really well.