Green Bay Packers Successfully Sign Two-Time Pro Bowl DT with "Steal" Contract - Building the Strongest Defense in NFC North with Devonte Wyatt Taking on New Role

Green Bay, Wisconsin – 03/12/2026 – The Green Bay Packers made a strategic move in the 2026 offseason by signing defensive tackle (DT) Javon Hargrave, a two-time Pro Bowler. Hargrave joins the team with a two-year contract worth $23 million, including $13 million in the first year.

“I’ve always followed the Packers from afar and dreamed of one day wearing the green and gold. Now, I’m the one getting to do it. I’m so excited to join a team with such a rich history and an incredible fanbase. Get ready, because I’m bringing everything I’ve got to help the team move forward!” – Javon Hargrave shared at the contract signing ceremony.

From Minnesota to Green Bay: Former Vikings DT Javon Hargrave reached agreement today on a 2-year deal for $23 million, including $13 million this year with the Packers, per Drew Rosenhaus. pic.twitter.com/IlxbrGFn7Q

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 11, 2026

Hargrave, 33, was previously a key contributor for the Minnesota Vikings before being released and signing with Green Bay. In the 2025 season, he appeared in 16 games, recording 52 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery, further cementing his role as a dominant interior defensive player.

Although Hargrave is no longer in his prime and is not expected to make another Pro Bowl, he still provides significant defensive strength for the Packers. With his ability to stifle the running game and generate pressure on quarterbacks, he will immediately become one of Green Bay's key defensive players.

What makes this deal even sweeter for the Packers is the fact that they “stole” Hargrave from their NFC North rival – the Minnesota Vikings. A team forced to cut costs to maintain its budget, leaving them unable to retain Hargrave, giving the Packers a prime opportunity to land him.

Hargrave will pair with Devonte Wyatt at defensive tackle, forming a formidable duo on the team’s defensive line. With defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon, who previously coached Hargrave at the Philadelphia Eagles, now joining the Packers, Hargrave will be familiar with the system, maximizing his impact in 2026.

In the 2022 season, Hargrave recorded 60 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 11 sacks, one forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries – one of the best seasons of his career. Joining the Packers presents an opportunity for Hargrave to continue his development and help the team build an even stronger defensive unit.

With Hargrave’s addition, Green Bay will have a powerful and deep defense, ready to take on tough NFC North opponents. The 2026 season will be a significant challenge for the Packers, but with strategic additions like Hargrave, they hope to make a deep run and compete for a championship.