The San Francisco 49ers will release Pro Bowl defensive tackle Javon Hargrave as a designated post-June 1 release, general manager John Lynch confirmed to reporters on Wednesday.
Hargrave, who signed a four-year, $84 million deal with the 49ers just two offseasons ago, will now head back to free agency in a cost-cutting move for San Francisco.
"It gives him an opportunity to go see what his market is," Lynch said of the move. "And it may include us."
Even though Hargrave will technically be headed for free agency, Lynch made it clear the team would love to bring him back.
"Would we be interested in having him (back)? Of course," Lynch said. "Is that something we've come to an agreement on and is it something that fits in our plans? We'll see."
More news: 49ers GM John Lynch Breaks Silence on Quarterback Brock Purdy's Potential Long-Term Extension
Hargrave signed with the 49ers ahead of the 2023 season after spending the first seven years of his career with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Philadelphia Eagles.
The former third-round pick by the Steelers in 2016 spent four seasons in Pittsburgh, compiling 168 tackles, 22 tackles for loss, and 14.5 sacks.
In March 2020, Hargrave signed a three-year, $39 million deal with the Eagles. In Philadelphia, he took his game to another level, securing 161 tackles, 24 tackles for loss, and 23 sacks across three seasons.
In 2021, his second season in Philadelphia, Hargrave made his first career Pro Bowl appearance after notching 7.5 sacks across 16 games. In 2022, he had the best season of his career, compiling 11 sacks, 16 quarterback hits, and two fumble recoveries.
Hargrave parlayed that season into a monstrous contract with San Francisco, where he made his second career Pro Bowl in his first season in the Bay. Hargrave had 44 tackles, eight tackles for loss, and seven sacks in 2023, helping the 49ers reach the Super Bowl, where they lost to the Kansas City Chiefs.
The 2024 season, however, was one to forget for Hargrave.
Just three games into the season, Hargrave suffered a partially torn triceps. He underwent surgery and was ruled out for the remainder of the year. Now, with two years left on his deal, the 32-year-old is heading back to free agency.
"What I told Javon is that he's a player we really like," Lynch said. "Same reason we went out and signed him, that hasn't changed. He's an impactful player.
"We did, we do, have some challenges. This doesn't mean we can't compete for his services."
More news: 49ers Pro Bowler May Not Return to San Francisco in 2025 for Heartbreaking Reason
For more on the NFL, head to Newsweek Sports.
English (US) ·