The Minnesota Vikings were one of the best teams in the league in 2024, finishing the year with a 14-3 record. However, after an embarrassing exit in the Wild Card round, the Vikings knew they had more work to do. That’s why they attacked the offseason, making several strategic moves to improve the roster.
One big move Minnesota made during the offseason was signing defensive tackle Javon Hargrave to a two-year deal worth $30 million. Hargrave is a two-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle, contributing to elite defenses for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Philadelphia Eagles, and San Francisco 49ers. Now, the Vikings are hoping he can do the same in Minnesota.
Howewer, Hargrave’s role for the Vikings is expected to be a little different, he’s projected to come off the bench. In a recent Bleacher Report piece, Matt Holder projected every team’s starting lineup for 2025. For Minnesota, Hargrave was notably missing from the group of projected starters.
Javon Hargrave projected to come off bench for Vikings
Hargrave wasn’t the only two-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Minnesota signed this offseason; the Vikings signed Jonathan Allen as well. It was Allen and Harrison Phillips that were listed as the projected starting tackles. However, Hargrave was highlighted as a depth piece that will play an important role.
"Javon Hargrave should also have a significant role on the Vikings' defense, as an interior pass-rusher and when Brian Flores uses five-man fronts."Matt Holder (Bleacher Report)
In his career, Hargrave has started 115 of the 130 games he played in. The last season where he played in a game that he didn’t start was in 2020, so this will be a change for him if that’s how it actually plays out. However, the fact that a player of his caliber can be a rotation piece in Minnesota says a lot about how the team is building its defense. The Vikings are set up to have another dominant regular season, and to go even further in the postseason.