Did new Washington defensive coordinator Daronte Jones get excited hearing Sunday that the Vikings plan to release defensive tackle Javon Hargrave?
ESPN’s Adam Schefter revealed that the Vikings plan to release Hargrave, which will save $10.9 million. Hargrave, at 6-foot-2, 307 pounds, could be someone that Jones, knowing very well from his years in Minnesota, might immediately let head coach Dan Quinn and GM Adam Peters know he is interested.
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Secondly, we don’t yet know whether Commanders‘ new defensive coordinator will run a four-man or three-man front. He has yet to disclose such information since taking the job. If Jones wants to go with three men on the front, then yes, those are usually bigger defensive ends whose responsibility is to neutralize blockers. In a 4-3, the coordinator prefers smaller, quicker defensive ends to rush the passer.
Peters was the assistant GM for the 49ers during the 2023 season. That season, Hargrave came to the 49ers from the NFC East Rival Eagles, having played in Philadelphia three seasons (2020-22). What Peters thought of Hargrave could go a long way in determining whether the Commanders pursue the veteran defensive tackle in free agency.
Finally, Hargrave just turned 33 (February 7). Don’t expect Peters to be handing out a three-year deal to a 33-year old defensive tackle. I’m not ruling out Peters signing Hargrave. But would Peters offer Hargrave anything more than a one-year deal?
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This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Vikings move on from veteran DT