In the buzzing atmosphere of the NFL offseason, the Dallas Cowboys are once again making headlines as they prepare for free agency, scheduled to kick off on March 12. With the contractual “switch flips” on Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb now in play, the Cowboys have the chance to explore some enticing opportunities. One intriguing prospect that has surfaced is defensive tackle Javon Hargrave, who finds himself in a transitional moment following the San Francisco 49ers’ decision to cut ties with him.
Hargrave was a significant signing for the 49ers last offseason, inking a four-year, $84 million deal based on his impressive track record. Unfortunately, injuries marred his 2024 campaign, limiting him to just three games and one sack. As talented as he is—having logged 45.5 career sacks and earning two Pro Bowl selections over his nine seasons—it’s clear that he hasn’t played up to the standards that once established him as a Tier 1 talent in the league.
What’s noteworthy is that Hargrave has worked with Nick Sorensen, the 49ers’ defensive coordinator last season, who has since joined the Cowboys’ coaching staff as their special teams coordinator under new head coach Brian Schottenheimer. This connection could provide Dallas with valuable insights into Hargrave’s capabilities and work ethic, making him a familiar face should the Cowboys decide to pursue him.
At 6-foot-2 and 305 pounds, Hargrave has experience playing both the nose tackle and 3-technique positions, showcasing his versatility. The Cowboys are actively looking to bolster their defensive line, and with Osa Odighizuwa recently receiving a hefty contract extension, it’s likely that Dallas won’t be in the market for another player with an average annual salary that approaches $20 million—especially given the financial commitments they’re already managing.
That said, the conversation around Hargrave’s potential availability could ignite fresh interest from the Cowboys. Mike Fisher, our go-to insider for Dallas football, has been ahead of the curve on this, suggesting weeks ago that the Cowboys should keep an eye on developments regarding Hargrave. Now that he’s officially set to hit the market, it’s time for Dallas to reassess and possibly make a move.
In this unpredictable free agency landscape, Hargrave represents a player with upside who can still contribute significantly if he can shake off the shadows of his injuries. For a team that values depth and impact on the defensive front, an opportunity to bring him into the fold could be too lucrative to ignore. The Cowboys’ front office will surely be weighing their options closely in the coming days as they look to make actionable moves that enhance their defensive strength ahead of the next season.
