The San Francisco 49ers are approaching a critical offseason where significant roster changes may be necessary to revive their Super Bowl aspirations. Their 2024 championship hopes were hindered by injuries, special teams failures, and red zone inefficiencies. Consequently, a roster overhaul seems inevitable, with the defensive line likely to see substantial adjustments.
One major move could involve parting ways with defensive tackle Javon Hargrave. Signed to a four-year, $84 million contract in 2023, Hargrave has fallen short of expectations. While he delivered a strong performance against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 3, his season was cut short by a triceps injury.
Despite his notable pass-rushing abilities, which included 72 pressures and nine sacks across 22 games (including playoffs), Hargrave failed to deliver the dominance the 49ers anticipated. His struggles in consistently stopping the run and alleviating pressure on other defensive linemen have raised doubts about his long-term fit with the team.
With a need to revamp their defensive front, the 49ers might consider releasing Hargrave before his 32nd birthday. This move would not only allow for a restructured defensive line but also provide crucial salary cap relief. As the team plans for future contracts, including quarterback Brock Purdy’s, financial flexibility will be key.
Cutting Hargrave would result in a $24.86 million dead cap hit but save the 49ers $3.245 million. Alternatively, designating him as a post-June 1 cut could lower the dead cap charge to $7.375 million, increasing the savings to $20.73 million. This approach could offer the team greater financial leeway for the upcoming season.
Moving on from Hargrave would also create opportunities for younger defensive linemen to step up, injecting fresh talent into the lineup. Although Hargrave still has the potential to contribute on a strong defensive unit, the financial and strategic benefits of releasing him might outweigh the value of keeping him for another year.
Ultimately, this decision would likely be part of a larger effort by the 49ers to reshape their roster and reassert themselves as Super Bowl contenders. By addressing weaknesses and managing the salary cap effectively, the team could position itself for a stronger push in the coming season.
