The Steelers will be in the market for a nose tackle for the 2020 season.
Javon Hargrave, who has started in the middle of the defensive line since his rookie season in 2016, left via free agency Monday, agreeing to a three-year, $39 million contract with the Philadelphia Eagles.
The deal, which includes $26 million in guaranteed money, makes Hargrave the highest-paid nose tackle in the NFL. It will become official when the new NFL calendar year begins Wednesday at 4 p.m.
The deal was confirmed by Hargrave’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus. Hargrave signed with Rosenhaus’ agency in the offseason.
Hargrave, 27, had 14½ sacks in four seasons with the Steelers while often leaving the field in subpackages. Hargrave had four sacks and a career-high 60 tackles last season while starting 13 of 16 games.
Hargrave’s playing time increased at midseason when defensive end Stephon Tuitt sustained a season-ending pectoral injury. He played nearly 63% of all defensive snaps.
The Steelers, with the least amount of salary-cap space among NFL teams, didn’t have the finances available to keep Hargrave from testing free agency.
