Ranking every player on the Steelers free agency board

1. Javon Hargrave, DT

The Steelers’ defensive line is taking some costly hits this offseason, with three players heading into free agency: Tyson Alualu, Larry Ogunjobi, and Chris Wormley. Once again, Cam Heyward is 34 years old as he nears the end of his playing career, and the Steelers can only hope to build up their defensive line in the upcoming draft.

This is why defensive tackle needs to be a priority for the Steelers this offseason, and a reunion with Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Javon Hargrave could be exactly what Pittsburgh needs.

The Steelers drafted Hargrave in the 2016 draft, and Hargrave played out his rookie contract in Pittsburgh before signing a three-year, $39 million contract with the Eagles. While returning to a former team doesn’t work out for every player, the Steelers could offer familiarity if they can spring for a position they need to fill above all others.

While Hargrave was with the Steelers, he racked up 14.5 sacks, a number he can only improve upon with T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith playing alongside him, as CBS Sports’ Jeff Kerr points out.

Kerr predicts that Hargrave’s contract could cost about $20 million per year on average, but he also notes that adding Hargrave would give the Steelers the best pass rush in the NFL. For that reason, Hargrave is well worth the price.