Report: Javon Hargrave to Be Released by 49ers at Start of 2025 NFL Free Agency

Veteran defensive tackle Javon Hargrave's time in the Bay Area reportedly has come to an end after two seasons.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the San Francisco 49ers informed Hargrave that he will be released on the first day of the league year next week, making him a free agent.

ESPN's Nick Wagoner reported in January that the 49ers made "significant tweaks" to Hargrave's contract that would pave the way for him to be released. General manager John Lynch said at the time that the team would be open to bringing him back on a reduced contract, but it wanted to do right by him by allowing him to test free agency.

"We do have some challenges and so this doesn't mean we can't compete for his services," Lynch said at the time. "Rather than waiting until post-June 1 and being [out of luck] because free agency already happened, it gives him an opportunity to go see what his market is. And that may include us. … We know Javon. He's on a good track coming back from his injury. And would we be interested in having him? Of course. Is that something we can come to an agreement on and is it something that fits in our plans? We will see."

Hargrave originally signed a four-year, $84 million deal with the 49ers in 2023 and earned his second career Pro Bowl selection in his first season with the team after producing 44 tackles and seven sacks in 16 games. However, he was limited to just three appearances in 2024 after being placed on injured reserve due to a partially torn triceps.

A nine-year veteran, Hargrave suited up for the Pittsburgh Steelers (2016-19) and Philadelphia Eagles (2020-22). He will likely be one of the top defensive free agents on the open market this offseason, and he can be a difference-maker in the right situation.