The Green Bay Packers have rolled into the NFL Scouting Combine, and with them, the offseason buzz is in full swing. After a promising start last season, the Packers stumbled toward the end, and now it's all about addressing those weaknesses. One of the top priorities for General Manager Brian Gutekunst is finding the right personnel to fit new defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon's scheme.
Enter Javon Hargrave, a name that's starting to circulate in NFL circles. The Minnesota Vikings are reportedly considering shopping the defensive tackle, as noted by NFL insider Jordan Schultz.
Hargrave shone brightly under Gannon when they were both with the Philadelphia Eagles from 2021 to 2022. However, a trade might be a long shot given the Packers and Vikings' sparse trading history, with only four trades since the Vikings entered the league in 1961.
The last deal between these rivals was during the 2022 NFL Draft, which helped Green Bay snag Christian Watson.
Despite the odds, Hargrave linking up with Gannon in Green Bay could be a reality if the Vikings decide to release him. The financials make a trade tempting for the Vikings, as moving Hargrave would save them $14.9 million against the cap, versus $10.9 million if cut before June 1, according to Over The Cap. Given his hefty $21.4 million cap hit next season, releasing him might be the more likely scenario.
If Hargrave hits free agency, the Packers could swoop in, especially since he thrived under Gannon's system before. His two best seasons came in Philadelphia, where he racked up 18.5 sacks and 129 pressures on 995 pass-rushing snaps, per Pro Football Focus. Although injuries hampered his 2024 season with the San Francisco 49ers, and his numbers dipped last year, Hargrave still fits the mold of Gannon's defensive philosophy-creating pressure with the front seven and freeing up the secondary.
For the Packers, bolstering the defensive line is crucial. Devonte Wyatt showed promise with 22 pressures and four sacks but was sidelined by injuries, including a broken fibula and torn ankle ligament. Karl Brooks added 29 pressures and a sack, while Warren Brinson, Colby Wooden, and Nazir Stackhouse remain wild cards heading into the 2026 season.
It's a scenario worth watching closely. While the Vikings might prefer to trade Hargrave, releasing him could pave the way for a reunion with Gannon in Green Bay, potentially giving the Packers a significant boost in free agency.