Javon Hargrave is set to be released by the Minnesota Vikings on Wednesday, according to reports.
Packers Could Target Hargrave
The Green Bay Packers, seeking defensive line help, can sign Hargrave without offsetting a compensatory draft pick in 2027. This is provided he’s a street free agent and not a compensatory free agent.
Hargrave previously played under Jonathan Gannon.
Hargrave’s Performance and Position
Last season, Hargrave achieved a 68 grade on PFF. That ranks him 35th among 134 qualifying interior defensive linemen.
PFF tends to grade nose tackles lower than other interior defensive line positions. Hargrave played the nose for the Vikings in 2025.
If the Packers pursue him, he could play nose in their nickel sets. In base looks, he’d likely be a 3-4 defensive end.
While Hargrave played nose full-time with the Vikings, their system doesn’t ask nose tackles to play as “true nose tackles”. Every other year in his career, Hargrave has been a three-technique, including during his time in Philadelphia under Gannon.
Potential Impact on Packers’ Lineup
If Hargrave is signed, it can be assumed that Hargrave and Devonte Wyatt will be the team’s starting “ends” in base looks in 2026.
They would essentially be two three-techniques.
He would fill one of the two holes on the Packers’ starting lineup, leaving them to search for a nose tackle.