Dallas Cowboys: Top-5 Free Agent Defensive Tackles to Target
By Reid Hanson
Javon Hargrave
Age: 26
PFF Rank: 8
Javon Hargrave headlines a fairly rich DT free agent class this offseason. The soon-to-be 27-year-old interior defender (birthday in February) from Pittsburgh stands just 6-foot-2 305lbs but holds down the NT spot with precision.
Hargrave plays with fire, short area quickness, and technique that make him a solid option on 3-4 and 4-3 defenses alike. The No. 8 ranked DT in Pro Football Focus’ 2019 rankings led his position group with a 15.1% pressure rate. Just a tick ahead of Chris Jones and some guy named Aaron Donald.
The well rounded 3-down tackle is even stronger against the run as he is rushing the passer. He can handle 2-gap responsibility, keeping his play-making linebackers clean behind him, or he can explode through a single gap and disrupt the backfield.
Perhaps his most overlooked value is his ability to stay on the field. Hargrave has only missed one game in his four professional seasons. He’s a dependable player with extraordinary drive that can anchor a line. On the Dallas Cowboys he’s clearly suited for a 1-tech role (even without Marinelli here) and will instantly boost the run defense and allow the Jaylon Smith – Leighton Vander Esch combo to thrive – running free.
He’s going to cost a pretty penny. Spotrac estimates a contract averaging $14+ million per year. It’s unlikely the Steelers can afford to retain him since they’ve publicly stated they’re prioritizing edge free agent Bud Dupree.
If Spotrac is right, Hargrave will probably be too rich for the Cowboys, but if the cost of doing business goes down (with such a loaded free agent DT class), He would provide an instant boost to the Cowboys D, giving new D-line coach Jim Tomsula a great tool to build around.