The Pittsburgh Steelers will be addressing several holes on the roster in the 2025 NFL Draft, but that is the last event for teams when it comes to roster construction. Free agency and the trade market will determine which needs an organization has to hone in on come late April. General Manager Omar Khan has a lot of work that needs to be done, specifically at the quarterback and wide receiver positions. As for the defensive side of the ball, the franchise has several questions on the line. Cameron Heyward isn't getting any younger, and the unit could use a significant boost moving forward.
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Steelers defensive lineman and team captain Cameron Heyward (#97) looks down at the field during a 2022 training camp practice at St. Vincent College in Pittsburgh, PA.
The Steelers haven't drafted a defensive lineman in the first round since Heyward was selected back in 2011. That could very well change in 2025 regardless of what moves are made prior to the draft. While Pittsburgh may focus on the trade market for a wide receiver, or possibly a signal-caller, free agency will be a better place to gauge the options to help fortify the defensive front.
It is no secret that the Steelers enjoy familiarity. It shouldn't come as a surprise if the goal is to sign a player that knows a little bit about the organization, and defense as a whole. It's possible that an individual who has plenty of experience playing alongside Heyward could find his way back to the Steel City. Andrew Fillipponi of 93.7 The Fan reported on Wednesday morning that some inside Pittsburgh's building have a preference.
Source: The Steelers have staff members who would love to bring back former Steeler DT Javon Hargrave. He knows the defense. And is only 32. It would not preclude them from taking D-line in draft. Hargrave big name to watch in free agency. pic.twitter.com/QUS0HmV7R3
— Andrew Fillipponi (@ThePoniExpress) February 26, 2025
Javon Hargrave has yet to officially be released by the San Francisco 49ers, but that is expected to happen somewhat soon. After a season-ending injury in 2024, it's not worth the risk having him back on his current contract. While the 49ers could be interested in him signing a new contract at a less expensive price, Hargrave may certainly dive into the free agency crowd.
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San Francisco 49ers General Manager John Lynch looks on during pregame before a game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on Dec. 23, 2021, in Nashville.
Hargrave had a stellar career in Pittsburgh. His tenure in the Steel City was so good that he inked a lucrative contract with the Philadelphia Eagles, only to move onto the 49ers a couple years after due to another big deal. He may be a little bit older and not a long-term solution, but signing him would go a long way in bringing some stability to a position that crumbled down the stretch in 2024.
The lineman didn't put up staggering numbers when he was with the Steelers, but developed a reputation for being great against the run. He slowly developed into a prominent pass-rusher as well, logging 11 sacks with the Eagles in 2022. Bringing someone like Hargrave on board will allow one, or multiple, draft picks some time to adjust to the professional level.
It shouldn't come as a surprise that there are some murmurs connecting Hargrave and the Steelers. Right when it was reported that the veteran would likely be released by San Francisco, pundits began to connect him to Pittsburgh. Once a release is made official, Khan could quickly be on the phone with the 2016 third-rounder's team to work something out.
Don Wright / Associated Press
Former Steelers defensive lineman Javon Hargrave runs after Lamar Jackson in an attempt to bring him down during a professional football game in Pittsburgh, PA.
Steelers Will Need Some Help On The Defensive Line Regardless Of Draft
It's possible that Larry Ogunjobi ends up being a cap casualty for Pittsburgh. He is entering the last year of his deal and has a significant cap hit. Coming off of a serious injury, Hargrave might be looking at signing a one-year deal somewhere, and the Steel City might be the perfect place given the current depth. The veteran would have the chance to show he is healthy and capable of being productive as he approaches his mid-30s.
Do you think that the Steelers should sign Hargrave? Let us know in the comments below!
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