Javon Hargrave played through a thumb injury during the latter part of last season. It has since healed, and the defensive tackle isn't using the setback as an excuse. The San Francisco 49ers signed Hargrave to a four-year, $84 million deal last offseason, expecting him to make a significant impact on their defensive front.
Despite earning a solid 86.5 pass-rushing grade from Pro Football Focus in 2023, Hargrave's seven sacks were his lowest total since 2020. However, his 64 pressures remained consistent with his previous two seasons (66 in 2022 and 63 in 2021). Additionally, his 13.7% pass-rush win rate ranked 16th in the NFL among interior defenders with at least 100 pass-rush attempts.
When speaking to reporters on Friday, Hargrave provided an honest assessment of his first season with the 49ers. Like his previous team, the Philadelphia Eagles, his current team reached the Super Bowl but fell short of victory.
"It was pretty good," Hargrave said of his 2023 campaign. "I wish we could have won the thing, but it was pretty good. I was with a lot of good dudes. And they just brought me in and I just really feel like I just want to build on it this year and just be better as a whole this year."
Asked about specific areas for improvement in the upcoming season, Hargrave responded, "I think it's just overall. I feel like I could have won a lot more in the pass rush stuff, and just be better in the run game stuff, and just being in way better shape than I was last year."
Hargrave's Pro Football Focus run-defense grade saw a marginal improvement last season but remained at a modest 51.4, indicating room for growth. His 74.9 overall grade was his second-highest in the past four seasons.
Asked again what he aims to improve, Hargrave added, "I know just some of the technique things, playing in this defense, just learning how to play the run better in this type of defense. And just for me, just winning my one-on-ones quicker and just having an overall better season."
The upcoming season is crucial for Hargrave. According to OverTheCap.com, his salary cap hit will jump from $9.27 million in 2024 to $28.1 million in 2025. According to Spotrac.com, the 49ers have an option to exit the deal next year. While the cap savings in 2025 would only be around $3.25 million due to dead money, the savings would be more significant in 2026.
Hargrave's performance this season could determine his long-term future with the team, making it essential for him to meet or exceed expectations.