The 49ers thought they won the offseason when they signed Javon Hargrave to a four-year $84 million contract.
When the 49ers signed Javon Hargrave to a four-year, $84 million contract, they believed they had won the offseason. believed they had strengthened the NFL’s top defense by signing the top free agent available.
But they had to let go of several important defensive players in order to sign Hargrave. Players like Charles Omenihu, Azeez Al-Shaair, Jimmie Ward, and Samson Ebukam. Therefore, even though the 49ers didn’t actually make a trade to acquire Hargrave, they did have to give up four important players in order to sign him.
Hargrave has only garnered three sacks in eight games. Hence, as a pass rusher, he hasn’t had much of an impact. Recall that he had 11 sacks for the Eagles the previous season, which is a major factor in the 49ers’ decision to pay him so much. They anticipated that he would intensify their pass rush, but he hasn’t. Additionally, because of his poor run defense, the run defense has gotten worse.
Losing Samson Ebukam has been a huge blow to the 49ers’ run defense. He was their best edge setter the past two seasons — better than Nick Bosa. Now he’s replaced by Clelin Ferrell, Randy Gregory, Drake Jackson and Chase Young, none of whom can set edges as well as Ebukam, who’s Pro Football Focus grade this season is 78.9. Hargrave’s is 75.1.
Losing Al-Shaair has been a blow as well. He’s a quality starting linebacker, and his replacement, Oren Burks. And losing Ward has been the biggest blow of all. He’s a terrific nickel corner who’s good against the run and pass. His replacement, Isaiah Oliver, is a terrible nickel corner who’s good at nothing.
If the 49ers could do it over again, they probably would keep their four free agents and let Hargrave sign elsewhere.