4 Hypothetical Trade Offers For DT Javon Hargrave: Minnesota Vikings could have multiple suitors for the talented defensive tackle
The Vikings need to clear salary cap space, and a Javon Hargrave trade could get that done.
The Minnesota Vikings are in a position to shake up the roster in a big way this offseason, and it will start by getting under the salary cap. The first step for interim general manager Rob Brzezinski appears to be potentially trading defensive tackle Javon Hargrave.
Trading Hargrave would be much more beneficial for the Vikings from a trade perspective, as their salary cap savings would rise from just under $11 million to $15 million. To do that, they will need to find a trade partner. Who could make an offer for Hargrave? Here are four trades and teams that could make sense.
Cincinnati Bengals finally get a pass rusher on the interior
Offer: CIN sends 2026 fourth-round pick for Hargrave
Finding pass-rushing juice is the Bengals’ top priority this offseason, and if trading an early Day 3 pick for a 33-year old defensive tackle is one of their best options in a limited free agent and NFL Draft class, then so be it. Hargrave has played against Cincinnati many times during his Pittsburgh Steelers days so the organization knows him well. He’s managed to remain a good player into his 30s, and he’d instantly be one of the Bengals’ best pass rushers despite his age. His cap hit may scare off other teams, but Cincy can absorb it and cutting B.J. Hill or T.J. Slaton Jr. can offset some of it as well. If the Bengals still had their fifth-round pick, I would try to offer that first, but they don’t, so I’m acting (relatively) aggressive on their behalf.” – John Sheeran, A to Z Cincinnati
Houston Texans load up their top defense
Offer: HOU sends 2026 seventh-round pick for Javon Hargrave
“The Texans have a big offseason coming up. They had the best defense in the league last season. This has many assuming they will put all their resources into upgrading their offense in the offseason. I think that will be a top priority, but I don’t think people should assume they will neglect the defensive side of the ball. If they can add somewhere, though, I think it would be a consistent pass-rush presence from the interior to pair with their terrifying duo off the edge. Hargraves is the perfect type of addition for the Texans, especially if he can be had for a late-round pick.” – Destin Adams, A to Z Sports Indianapolis
San Francisco 49ers add a much needed interior pass rusher
Offer: SF sends 2026 fifth-round pick for Hargrave and 2026 seventh-round pick
“It’s a tricky spot for the 49ers, who desperately need to do anything it takes to improve their pass rush after a dismal 2025 season. The team had a pass rush by committee last year with all of their injuries, and it was a key reason why they were at the bottom of the league in sacks. While the injury luck should pick up and have Nick Bosa return, their interior doesn’t have much of a pass-rushing presence, as Alfred Collins and CJ West are more run stuffers, and their DT room combined for just three sacks last season. If they can reunite with Hargrave, who was a productive player in their attacking scheme, it wouldn’t hurt to take a shot to rebuild their dismal pass rush. Given how cheap veteran defensive tackles go for, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to take a swing here, although the 49ers don’t have much late capital in the 2026 NFL Draft, so they would need a return or to deal a future pick.” – AJ Schulte A to Z Sports Los Angeles
Los Angeles Chargers get aggressive on the interior
Offer: LAC sends 2026 fourth-round pick for Javon Hargrave
“The Los Angeles Chargers need more juice along the defensive line. The EDGE position will be a big question with Khalil Mack slated to hit free agency, but the trio along the interior could use some improvement and Hargrave would move the needle a ton as a penetrating 3-technique who can hold up against the run but also provide interior push from the pocket. His skills that made him a borderline dominant defensive tackle in Pittsburgh and San Francisco may have eroded some, but he still offers a skillset that’s a rarity among interior defenders. Parting ways with a day three pick feels appropriate for the caliber player the Chargers would be receiving.” – Rob Gregson, A to Z Sports Pittsburgh
Two offers stand out above the rest
It’s a tough trade to construct due to the high base salary of $14.2 million for Hargrave. The one thing they have going for them is the weaker defensive tackle market. Hargrave would be at the top of the market and go for a substantial contract.
Both the Bengals and Chargers offered a fourth-round pick, but Cincinnati’s is a higher selection. Hargrave goes to the Bengals, giving the Vikings a pick in the only round they don’t have one.
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