Steelers' First 2025 Defensive Line Reinforcement Could Mean Exciting Reunion

A lot of teams throughout the NFL, including the Pittsburgh Steelers, can learn a lot about what the Philadelphia Eagles did to the Kansas City Chiefs during Super Bowl LIX. It was utter domination, and while a quarterback won the Most Valuable Player Award, Defensive Coordinator Vic Fangio deserves a ton of credit, as does his unit. Down the stretch, a five-game losing streak for Pittsburgh quickly brought the season to a close, and it was clear that an aging defense struggled against high-powered offenses. Several adjustments are going to need to be made throughout the 2025 offseason in the Steel City.

Some of the more exciting things to talk about may be related to the Steelers' quarterback situation, and offensive troubles as a whole, but the defense needs just as much work. Somewhere to start will be the cornerback and defensive line positions. Cameron Heyward was phenomenal in 2024, but didn't have too much help alongside him on the interior.

Pittsburgh is expected to use a day one, two, or multiple picks to address the need on the defensive line. Heyward does not have much football left in him and to make matters worse, the franchise hasn't selected the position in the first round of a draft since Heyward was taken back in 2011. All problems on the defensive line can't be fixed in the draft, though, given the other needs on both sides of the ball.

This brings free agency into the mix. The Steelers have always been known to appreciate familiarity and reunions, which has insider Ray Fittipaldo thinking that one could be coming in the next few months when it comes to the defensive line.

"Javon Hargrave is likely to become available," Fittipaldo wrote in a Tuesday chat. "I wouldn't invest big money in a free agent because this DL class is so talented."

Javon Hargrave began his career in Pittsburgh, but slipped away due to cap constraints. He went on to play in a Super Bowl with the Eagles, and then ended up inking another big deal with the San Francisco 49ers. It has already been noted that he will likely be released as a post-June 1st designation, and that could be good news for a Steelers team in desperate need of a more fortified front on defense.

Hargrave tore his triceps in Week 3 of the 2024 season and was lost for the year. This injury, combined with his age (32) and contract, all factor into the 49ers' expected decision to release him. He simply is not worth that kind of money despite having two years left on his contract. San Francisco could elect to re-sign him, but he should be an attractive veteran. Has has been healthy throughout his entire career besides 2024, and proved in 2023 that he has plenty of football left in him.

A potential signing of Hargrave won't solve Pittsburgh's problems, and the draft will still be crucial to help the defensive front get younger. However, having Hargrave next to Heyward on the inside would allow the younger linemen (including any rookies) to work their way into pivotal roles. The quarterback position is not the only one that can have someone step in for a bridge season.

Hargrave knows the Steelers' organization and would be an ideal signing if the price is right. His name will likely be connected to Pittsburgh many different times over the next several weeks. If General Manager Omar Khan and Head Coach Mike Tomlin see him as a valuable asset, he could come back to the Steel City on a team-friendly deal.

Steelers Have A Massive 2025 Offseason Ahead

Whether it be defensive line, quarterback, wide receiver, or any other position, Pittsburgh has a lot of work to do as the NFL Draft approaches. Fixing several holes in free agency and maybe even the trade market will make the job easier for Khan, Tomlin and co. With plenty of areas to fix, it will be interesting to see which positions the organization emphasizes before the draft occurs.

Do you think Hargrave would be a solid addition to the Steelers' roster in 2025? Let us know in the comments below!

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