Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
The Pittsburgh Steelers will be watching Javon Hargrave get paid handsomely for his talents as a free agent.
The Pittsburgh Steelers would love to keep Javon Hargrave, but there is that thing called the NFL Salary Cap which is going to likely keep them from doing just that. Hargrave, the nose tackle from South Carolina State, is set to hit free agency on March 18th when the new league year begins, and could make big money in his second NFL contract.
In fact, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network is projecting Hargrave to rake in some serious cash when he becomes available.
“…other D-linemen will hit the market and hit it big. Teams wouldn’t be surprised if Javon Hargrave (Steelers) commands close to $14 million a year — huge money for a nose tackle. Jarran Reed (Seahawks), D.J. Reader (Texans), David Onyemata (Saints) and A’Shawn Robinson (Lions) could all land north of $10 million, too.”
There are fans who would rather see the Steelers retain Hargrave, compared to Bud Dupree. Dupree, if given the franchise tag, will cost the team just over $16 million dollars in 2020. Dupree is basically an every down player whereas Hargrave is more of a role player considering the Steelers don’t utilize a nose tackle as much in their current defense.
Hargrave would be better suited playing for a 4-3 defense where he can stay on the field and be a force along the defensive interior. Something he only did as a replacement for injured Stephon Tuitt during his rookie contract in Pittsburgh.
Again, the Steelers would love to retain Hargrave, but if Pelissero’s prediction is true, there is no chance that happens with the Steelers bellied up to the salary cap and no news on the proposed Collective Bargraining Agreement being passed anytime soon.
Stay tuned to BTSC for the latest news and notes surrounding the black-and-gold as they pepare for NFL Free Agency and the 2020 NFL Draft in the coming months.
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