Why Signing Javon Hargrave was Essential for the 49ers

Aside from being an elite pass rusher, Hargrave brings something that the 49ers are lacking at defensive tackle.

The 49ers made a "splash" move on the opening day of the negotiating period of free agency when they signed former Eagles defensive tackle Javon Hargrave.

It has been a long time since the 49ers have made such a grand move in free agency, and they do so for a player who is at his peak. Hargrave was one of the best defensive tackles in the league last season. He ranked tied second overall in pass rush win rate (17 percent), which is something only Kansas City's Chris Jones tops (21 percent). The cost to get Hargrave was a four-year $84 million contract with $40 million guaranteed. 

It may seem a bit steep for a player who is 30-years old, but signing Hargrave was essential for the 49ers. A pass rushing presence has been severely lacking at defensive tackle. Arik Armstead cannot do everything in the interior. He needs help to either free himself up or to have the other player make the offensive line pay for trying to erase him. Hargrave is going to be that guy. Signing him was also an acknowledgement on the 49ers' part that they have a weakness there. Their whole defensive line actually is relatively weak.

The 49ers needed a real dominant figure outside of Nick Bosa and Armstead. It’s not enough to have just them, and with Javon Kinlaw looking like a whiff, it makes the need for a true destructive player on the defensive line extremely high. It cannot always be "The Nick Bosa Show" when it comes to having a fierce pass rush. Other players have to step up despite the 49ers doing an excellent job platooning with others in the last three years.

Aside from being an elite pass rusher, Hargrave brings something that the 49ers are lacking at defensive tackle: availability. Kinlaw can never last the majority of a season and he probably never will, which is why he can never ascend. He's forced to spend his time rehabbing instead of improving. Really, if Kinlaw had just been a healthy player with some impact moments, then the 49ers probably don't pursue Hargrave. Kinlaw isn't the only health concern as Armstead has some questions with him too now.

It all started when he was diagnosed with plantar fasciitis in one foot, then he ended up breaking a bone in his other. You have to wonder if Armstead isn't on the verge of starting to have his body break down more often. With Hargrave, the 49ers will never have to worry about that. He rarely misses games with three total throughout his seven-year career. So, the 49ers are getting a lethal pass rusher who is always available. 

A drastic upgrade to an area that was weak, which is why Hargrave was an essential signing.