During the San Francisco 49ers' end-of-season press conference, general manager John Lynch confirmed that Javon Hargrave's time with the team will likely end. The 49ers plan to release the defensive tackle with a post-June 1 designation to ease the impact on the salary cap.
However, Lynch noted that the 49ers are still open to the possibility of Hargrave returning in 2025. For now, though, the plan is to part ways with the defender.
"What I told Javon is he's a player we really like," Lynch said. "The same reason we went out and signed him. That hasn't changed. He's an impactful player. We do have some challenges. And so, this doesn't mean we can't compete for his services. It allows him, though, rather than waiting until post-June 1, and being SOL because free agency already happened, it gives him an opportunity to go see what his market [value is], and that may include us."
In December, the 49ers restructured Hargrave's contract to allow for more salary-cap flexibility in the event of a separation. With the post-June 1 designation, Hargrave's cap hit would be approximately $10.3 million, less than half of what it would have been before the restructure.
San Francisco signed Hargrave as a free agent in 2023 to a four-year, $84 million contract. He played in three games this season before suffering a partially torn right triceps and landing on injured reserve.
Deebo staying in 2025?
Wide receiver Deebo Samuel's future with the 49ers has also been a topic of discussion. Lynch told reporters that the team plans to bring the versatile wideout back in 2025.
"A good player and has done a ton for this organization," Lynch said after noting that Samuel remains under contract. "We're not in the business of letting good players out of here."
Samuel is entering the final year of his contract and is scheduled to count $16 million against the salary cap, per Over The Cap. He recorded only 806 scrimmage yards and four total touchdowns this season, his least productive year since an injury-plagued 2020 campaign.
Williams set to return in 2025
Tackle Trent Williams missed the end of the season due to an ankle injury. Lynch provided an update on the veteran All-Pro offensive lineman when asked if Williams plans to return in 2025.
"Trent's doing well," Lynch said. "He had a bruise in the ankle joint, and it probably took a little longer than anyone anticipated. But sometimes that happens. And the good news is it's taken a positive turn.
"Trent's mindset is where it always is, and he's still very interested in and being a great player that he is. And I think he's still got a lot left in the tank. So Trent's as committed as ever, and we love having Trent Williams a part of us."
