As the NFL offseason heats up, fans and analysts alike are speculating on the best moves their favorite teams could make. For the New Orleans Saints, who are in the midst of a roster overhaul, there’s one name that stands out as an ideal free-agent target for the team’s defensive unit: Javon Hargrave, the defensive tackle from the Philadelphia Eagles. Hargrave, whose performance in the Super Bowl earned him well-deserved recognition, could be the key to elevating the Saints’ defense and helping them reclaim their competitive edge in the NFC.
### Who is Javon Hargrave?
Before delving into why Hargrave would be a perfect fit for the Saints, it’s important to understand just who this $56 million Super Bowl hero is.
Javon Hargrave, a 6-foot-2, 305-pound defensive tackle, has been a dominant force on the defensive line since entering the league in 2016. Originally drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers, Hargrave quickly earned a reputation as one of the best interior pass rushers in the NFL. His combination of size, strength, and quickness made him a nightmare for offensive lines, and his ability to disrupt the quarterback from the interior was a key component of Pittsburgh’s defensive schemes.
After four seasons with the Steelers, Hargrave signed with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2020 on a three-year, $39 million deal. Since then, his game has gone from strength to strength. Hargrave quickly adjusted to the Eagles’ defensive scheme, becoming one of the most feared interior defensive linemen in the NFL.
His play in the 2022 season helped elevate the Eagles’ defense to elite status, as they boasted one of the most dominant defensive lines in the league. Hargrave’s ability to generate consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks helped set the stage for Philadelphia’s Super Bowl appearance, where he continued to play a key role in their defensive efforts.
### Why the Saints Need Javon Hargrave
The New Orleans Saints have long been known for their strong defensive units. However, the team has struggled with consistency in recent years, particularly in terms of generating pressure from the interior of their defensive line. The departure of veteran defensive tackle David Onyemata and the team’s struggles in the pass rush have left New Orleans with a hole in the middle of their defense.
Javon Hargrave’s skill set would immediately address these concerns. The Saints already possess solid edge rushers like Cam Jordan, but they lack a consistent force in the middle of their defensive front. Hargrave is known for his ability to push the pocket and collapse the pocket from the inside, allowing edge rushers to feast on quarterbacks who are forced to step up into the pressure. In addition to his pass-rushing prowess, Hargrave is an excellent run defender, making him a well-rounded player who can help shore up both the pass and run defense for the Saints.
Adding a player of Hargrave’s caliber would allow the Saints to transform their defensive line into one of the league’s most fearsome units. The team could then move forward with a more aggressive defensive scheme, knowing they have a game-changing interior defender capable of affecting the outcome of games.
### Javon Hargrave’s Super Bowl Performance
Hargrave’s performance in Super Bowl LVII should serve as an eye-opening reminder of just how dominant he can be in big moments. In that game, Hargrave was everywhere on the field, continuously disrupting Kansas City’s offensive line. While the Eagles ultimately fell short in their quest for another Super Bowl title, Hargrave’s individual performance was one of the few bright spots on defense.
Hargrave registered a sack and multiple quarterback hits in the game, showing that he could still perform at a high level even on the sport’s biggest stage. His quickness and ability to disengage from blockers were on full display, and his presence in the middle of the defense was felt by Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. While the Eagles may have lost the game, Hargrave’s stock only rose after the Super Bowl, further solidifying his place as one of the most sought-after free agents on the market.
### The Financial Aspect: What Would Hargrave Cost?
As with any free agent acquisition, the financial component plays a significant role in the decision-making process. Hargrave is coming off a four-year, $85 million contract with the Eagles, and he’s likely to secure another lucrative deal this offseason. The Saints will have to navigate salary cap issues carefully, but it is certainly possible to make room for a player of Hargrave’s caliber.
The team’s cap situation isn’t as dire as it has been in past years, and with smart moves, they could free up the space needed to bring Hargrave aboard. While he’s not likely to come cheap, the investment could pay off in a big way. The Saints would be adding an elite-level player to their defensive line, and Hargrave’s presence could push the team back into playoff contention.
One option could be to offer Hargrave a multi-year deal that includes guaranteed money for the first few seasons while spreading out the contract to help fit within the Saints’ cap structure. The team might also be able to create more room through restructuring existing contracts or making cuts in less critical areas of the roster. In any case, the Saints’ front office must make it a priority to secure a player like Hargrave, whose impact would far outweigh his salary.
### Hargrave’s Fit in Dennis Allen’s Scheme
Head coach Dennis Allen’s defensive scheme has historically relied on a strong, versatile defensive line to set the tone for the rest of the defense. With the Saints’ linebackers and secondary already established as strong units, adding a disruptive interior player like Hargrave would allow the defense to be even more effective in multiple areas.
Allen loves having players who can get after the quarterback, and Hargrave fits that mold perfectly. His ability to rush the passer, as well as play the run, makes him a highly versatile defender who could thrive in New Orleans’ defensive schemes. With Hargrave’s ability to push the pocket, Allen could be more aggressive in his play calling, knowing that the interior pressure Hargrave generates will force quarterbacks into making hurried decisions. This would open up opportunities for the Saints’ edge rushers, like Cam Jordan, to create havoc on the outside.
### Conclusion
Javon Hargrave would be an ideal free-agent target for the New Orleans Saints as they look to bolster their defensive line and remain competitive in the NFC. His performance in the Super Bowl showcased his elite skills, and his ability to both rush the passer and stop the run would significantly improve the Saints’ defense.
While securing Hargrave will require some financial maneuvering, the Saints have the resources and flexibility to make it work. Adding Hargrave to a defense already loaded with talent could make the Saints one of the most formidable teams in the NFC, and it would give them the defensive foundation they need to compete for championships in the years to come. Now, the ball is in the Saints’ court to make a move that could pay huge dividends for the franchise.
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