Adding Javon Hargrave was a huge (and shocking) addition by the San Francisco 49ers. While it seems like a perfect fit and addresses a significant team need, no one saw it coming. The Niners didn't have considerable salary cap space, so signing Hargrave to a four-year, $84 million deal was unexpected.
The former Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle, nicknamed "Grave Digger," joins a defensive line that includes NFL Defensive Player of the Year Nick Bosa and Arik Armstead, bolstering the middle of that unit.
One of the defender's former teammates is happy for Hargrave and his financial good fortune. However, he also knows the loss could be problematic for the defending NFC champions in the upcoming season.
"I'm happy for my man, Grave Digger," Eagles center Jason Kelce told his brother, Travis Kelce, on the duo's podcast. "Javon's one of the hardest guys I've ever had to block, especially from a pass-blocking standpoint.
"This is a huge acquisition by the 49ers. Him, Armstead—I mean, they're stacked all over [the] defense. It was already a tough game against them last year, and Javon's not going to make it any easier.
"So, that's a tough one because, obviously, the 49ers are the rival of ours right now; a big game for us."
High praise from Kelce pic.twitter.com/FFSDGALcYU
— John Middlekauff (@JohnMiddlekauff) March 19, 2023
The younger Kelce, the tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs, was shocked that the 49ers, not expected to be big players in free agency, were able to make such a significant move.
"They just got even better again," Travis commented. "I don't know how they [do it]."
Both noted, "They're not slowing down."
The 49ers and Eagles will meet at least once during the upcoming season. San Francisco is scheduled to travel to Lincoln Financial Field for an NFC Championship Game rematch that is sure to be a candidate for a primetime spot.
Hargrave tallied a career-high 11 sacks for the Eagles this past season, adding 60 tackles, 10 tackles for a loss, 16 quarterback hits, two passes defenses, a forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries, per Pro Football Reference.