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Pittsburgh Steelers: 5 offseason needs in 2020

By Russell S. Baxter

PITTSBURGH, PA - SEPTEMBER 30: General Manager Kevin Colbert of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on prior to the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Heinz Field on September 30, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - SEPTEMBER 30: General Manager Kevin Colbert of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on prior to the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Heinz Field on September 30, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /
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BALTIMORE, MD – DECEMBER 29: Javon Hargrave #79 of the Pittsburgh Steelers lines up against the Baltimore Ravens during the second half at M&T Bank Stadium on December 29, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD – DECEMBER 29: Javon Hargrave #79 of the Pittsburgh Steelers lines up against the Baltimore Ravens during the second half at M&T Bank Stadium on December 29, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

4. Re-sign NT Javon Hargrave

Shortly after the end of the season, Chris Adamski of TribLive.com contemplated the future of four-year nose tackle Javon Hargrave. The 2016 third-round pick from South Carolina State has been a solid performer on the middle of three-man front that includes quality ends Cameron Heyward and Stephon Tuitt. So when asked about his future with the Steelers with his contract set to expire on March 18, the 6’2”, 305-pound performer gave an honest answer. “I don’t know. I guess we will see in these next few months how it is and how it’s going to go.”

In four years with the Black and Gold, Hargrave has been a solid performer who has seen his play improve season by season. Via the fine folks at Pro Football Focus (subscription required), he’s the eighth-ranked interior defensive lineman in the league and his grade have gone up each year.

Still, a team currently strapped by the salary cap may not have room for a big-time contract, which this steady pro may be in line for. And you get the sense that while the Steelers have been a good fit, there’s reality when it comes to both the franchise and the player.

“It’s not just about money; it’s more (about) that it’s like a family to me,” said Hargrave said. “I love being here, I am comfortable being here. But at the end of the day, it’s business.

“I think we all are going to take a step back and everybody will do what’s best for them.”

Next: No. 3

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