DT Hargrave stays in NFC North, joins Packers on 2-year deal

GREEN BAY, Wis. — The Packers strengthened their defensive line on Wednesday by agreeing to terms with Javon Hargrave, formerly a defensive tackle for the Minnesota Vikings, providing key reinforcement for new defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon.

Agent Drew Rosenhaus informed ESPN’s Adam Schefter that Hargrave’s deal is a two-year contract worth $23 million, with $13 million payable in the first year.

The Vikings officially released Hargrave earlier on Wednesday.

The Packers’ defensive line was already facing depth challenges even before they traded defensive tackle Colby Wooden to the Indianapolis Colts for linebacker Zaire Franklin earlier this week.

With Hargrave, Gannon gains a player he knows well. Gannon, who previously served as the Arizona Cardinals’ head coach, was the defensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles during two of Hargrave’s three seasons with the team. Over those two years (2021-22), Hargrave recorded a combined 18.5 sacks and 104 tackles.

This upcoming season will be Gannon’s inaugural year as the Packers’ defensive coordinator. He assumes the position previously held by Jeff Hafley, who departed to become the head coach of the Miami Dolphins.

Hargrave signed a two-year deal with the Vikings last year, following his recovery from a torn right triceps injury that prematurely ended his 2024 season with the San Francisco 49ers.

Despite starting 15 games at 33 years old, he managed only 3.5 sacks and was projected to earn $15 million, carrying a substantial $21.7 million cap hit for the 2026 season.

Originally selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third round of the 2016 draft, Hargrave has accumulated 49 sacks across 10 professional seasons and has been named to two Pro Bowls.

Kevin Seifert of ESPN also contributed to this report.