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INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 22: Javon Hargrave #98 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after sacking quarterback Matthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams during the first half at SoFi Stadium on September 22, 2024 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

The Minnesota Vikings made a splash this offseason by signing Javon Hargrave to a two-year, $30 million deal. But despite the price tag and high expectations, ESPN’s 2025 top 10 NFL defensive tackle rankings didn’t include him, following his 2024 appearance on the list.

“(No. 10 in 2024 preseason) — Hargrave suffered a torn triceps three games into his second season with the 49ers, undergoing surgery and not returning to the field before being released in March. The two-time Pro Bowler subsequently signed a two-year, $30 million contract with Minnesota, the fourth team for the 32-year-old since he entered the league in 2016.”

Why Did Hargrave Fall Out of ESPN’s Top 10?

ESPN’s rankings consider recent performance, health and availability. For Hargrave, injuries and limited playing time played a big role in him missing the top 10 list.

The San Francisco 49ers released him with a post-June 1 designation. That move signaled they were looking for cap relief and weren’t fully confident in his value at his current salary. 49ers GM John Lynch mentioned that they wanted him to consider returning, but clearly they wouldn’t have aligned with what the Vikings ultimately had to offer.

Once considered a Pro Bowl-level defensive tackle, Hargrave’s recent seasons haven’t met expectations. A serious triceps injury in 2024 landed him on injured reserve, and he only appeared in 19 games over two years despite signing a lucrative four-year, $84 million deal with San Francisco.

The injury struggles and inconsistent play has affected how analysts rank him heading into 2025.

A Fresh Chance to Revive Vikings Defensive Line

The Vikings see opportunity where others saw more risk. Signing him to a two-year, $30 million contract with $19 million guaranteed, per Spotrac, shows they believe he can bounce back and return to being a disruptive force.

Minnesota’s defensive line was a weak spot last season. Interior defensive tackles combined for just 47 pressures, ranking fifth-worst in the NFL. They totaled only 7.5 sacks, placing 31st overall in that category. The front office has been eager to fix that.

This signing adds a veteran presence to a rotation that includes Jonathan Allen, Harrison Phillips, and Jalen Redmond. It also takes some of the heavy snap load off Phillips, who has played 66% of the team’s defensive snaps over the past two seasons.

If healthy, this signing could be exactly what the Vikings need to improve pressure and run defense.

This move is a calculated bet on experience and proven talent. The Vikings are hoping the change of scenery, combined with a motivated player and a stronger supporting cast, will lead to a bounce-back season and help stabilize a defensive front that’s been a work in progress.

For Vikings fans, Hargrave’s addition is a low-risk, potentially high-reward move. If he can stay healthy and return to form, he could become a key piece of the defense alongside Allen in 2025 and beyond.

The clock is ticking, and Minnesota’s investment shows they believe this veteran still has plenty to offer. If he can deliver on the field, this signing could quickly erase doubts and help turn the Vikings’ defensive line into a strength.

Derek Hryn Derek Hryn is a writer for Heavy.com. He has extensive experience covering the NFL, NBA, MLB, NCAA football and basketball, along with providing expert fantasy football analysis for DraftKings and SB Nation. His work has been featured at Sports Illustrated, USA Today, NBC Sports, The New York Post, and others. More about Derek Hryn

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