Javon Hargrave was the San Francisco 49ers' marquee free agent signing in the 2023 offseason. Just two years into a four-year, $84 million contract, the defensive tackle is set for the exit door.

Speaking during a season-ending press conference, general manager John Lynch confirmed the 49ers plan to release Hargrave with a post-June 1 designation.

It is a move the 49ers telegraphed during the 2024 season when they restructured Hargrave's deal, lowering his cap hit if using the June 1 release from $28.1 million during free agency to just $10.3 million.

Lynch added that the post-June 1 release does not necessarily mean the end of his time with the team.

He said: "Would we be interested in having him (back)? Of course.

"Is that something we’ve come to an agreement on and is it something that fits in our plans? We’ll see.

"It gives him an opportunity to go see what his market is. And it may include us.

"What I told Javon [in his exit interview] is that he’s a player we really like. Same reason we went out and signed him, that hasn’t changed. He’s an impactful player. We did, we do, have some challenges. This doesn’t mean we can’t compete for his services."

While Lynch isn't closing the door on Hargrave, it appears unlikely the 49ers will be prepared to get into a potential bidding war for a player who turns 32 next month and who is coming off a torn biceps muscle that ended his 2024 season in Week 3.

And with the 2025 draft filled with several potential first-round prospects at the defensive tackle spot, the 49ers' decision with Hargrave is a major clue that they are looking at refreshing at a position where San Francisco struggled mightily in 2024.

With their defensive tackles consistently moved off the ball in the run game and too often failing to disrupt the passer, the 49ers clearly need an infusion of talent on the interior of the defensive line.

It's too early to say for sure how they will go about restocking the cupboard at that position, but it already seems clear defensive tackle will rightly be an area of focus for the 49ers. Compelling options are thin on the ground in free agency, making the draft the more likely avenue through which to shore up a significant problem area.

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They left no room for doubt.