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The 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.

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At Monday morning’s press conference, the Packers announced seven players who will be pillars in the starting lineup with a combined value of up to $115 million.
Green Bay, Wisconsin – 16/03/2026 The Green Bay Packers opened a new chapter in their offseason Monday morning, unveiling seven key additions expected to become starting lineup pillars during a press conference at Lambeau Field. Team executives and coaches introduced a group of players who represent a combined $115 million investment in the roster as Green Bay prepares for the 2026 season. The announcement sent a clear signal across the league that the Packers are aggressively reshaping their lineup after a difficult end to the 2025 campaign. Rather than entering a rebuilding phase, Green Bay’s front office emphasized that the organization is doubling down on talent, experience, and physicality on both sides of the ball.   5 Among the most notable names introduced Monday was offensive guard Aaron Banks, whose massive contract signed in 2025 continues to anchor Green Bay’s long-term plan along the offensive line. The Packers believe Banks will play a central role in stabilizing the interior protection for franchise quarterback Jordan Love. Joining him on the interior is second-year guard Anthony Belton, a 2025 second-round draft pick who is expected to take a significant step forward as the projected starting right guard. On the defensive front, the Packers made one of their most significant offseason moves by signing veteran defensive tackle Javon Hargrave in free agency. Hargrave brings a reputation as one of the league’s most disruptive interior pass rushers and is expected to immediately strengthen Green Bay’s defensive line. Another potential starter along the defensive front is defensive end Barryn Sorrell. While still considered an emerging player, the coaching staff believes Sorrell has the tools to develop into a key contributor as the defensive line rotation evolves throughout the season. The Packers also addressed their linebacker group by acquiring Zaire Franklin in a trade with the Indianapolis Colts. Franklin is expected to immediately step into the starting lineup after Green Bay sent defensive lineman Colby Wooden to Indianapolis as part of the deal. In the secondary, cornerback Benjamin St-Juste arrives on a two-year deal after the Packers reshaped their defensive backfield earlier this offseason. The team views St-Juste as a physical outside corner capable of competing for a starting role alongside Carrington Valentine. Special teams also received a boost with the signing of return specialist Skyy Moore, who is projected to become the team’s primary kick returner following a strong season with the San Francisco 49ers. Packers officials emphasized that Monday’s press conference was not merely a formality to introduce new faces. Instead, it served as a declaration that Green Bay believes its roster transformation has already begun. With seven projected starters now officially in the building and $115 million invested in the group, the Packers are signaling to the rest of the NFL that their goal for 2026 is clear. Green Bay isn’t rebuilding. Green Bay is reloading for another run at the Lombardi Trophy. 🏈  

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