With a need to improve production along the interior defensive line, the Indianapolis Colts could find their way into the free-agent market. Could Javon Hargrave be a candidate for Indy?
The Road So Far
A third-round pick out of South Carolina State, the Pittsburgh Steelers have enjoyed the steady contributions of Hargrave since adding him to the interior defensive line. He’s been mostly working as a one-technique defensive tackle but has added some push in the pass rush department over the last two seasons.
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Hargrave has also been dependable, playing in 63 of a possible 64 games since entering the league in 2016. He’s also started 52 games for the Steelers since then, all of which have been spread out over the entirety of his career.
In 32 games over his last two seasons, Hargrave has 10.5 sacks, 13 tackles for loss and 14 quarterback hits. He recorded 49 total pressures in 2019, per Pro Football Focus, which was good for top-10 among interior defensive linemen.
Fit With The Colts
Standing at 6-foot-2 and 305 pounds, the 27-year-old Hargrave fits more of the nose tackle mold in the Colts’ one-gap front more than he does at the three-technique. But that shouldn’t deter the front office from pursuing him in free agency.
The Colts must upgrade at both interior spots, and Hargrave would provide that. Having the duo of Hargrave, who is an established run defender, working with the emerging Grover Stewart would make the run defense undoubtedly more productive. And given Hargrave’s production as a pass rusher, he would be more than serviceable getting upfield.
The Colts certainly need to add to the three-technique this offseason, but the addition of Hargrave would do wonders for the defensive line.
Price
As the salary cap continues to rise and the market for contracts follows suit, the Colts are in a flexible position to hand out some cash. But even so, they wouldn’t have to break the bank for Hargrave.
Spotrac’s market value model projects Hargrave receives a five-year deal worth $73.6 million with an average annual value of $14.7 million. The Colts could afford that, but they probably aren’t going to have to. It would be more likely to see Hargrave see an AAV closer to $12 million given that he hasn’t recorded more than 6.0 sacks in a single season. Plus at 27 years old, Hargrave probably isn’t getting a five-year deal. Maybe if it was front-loaded and had a team option later on.
He’s a solid fit and a free agent the Colts should absolutely pursue, but anything over that $12–13 million AAV would probably be too rich for Indy.
Conclusion
With a need to upgrade both production and talent at defensive tackle, this is the offseason to do it for the Colts. Hargrave should be one of the top options in the market and one who provides stout run-stopping ability with solid pass-rushing prowess.
They shouldn’t pay more than they need to for him, especially with the free-agent crop expected to be so strong, but the Colts should certainly have Hargrave on their radar.
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