Javon Hargrave isn’t stressing an extension entering third year with Eagles

It doesn’t matter what any of us classify as the pressing needs of this Philadelphia Eagles team. It matters not how thin they are at any particular position. This organization has proven over and over again that, when it comes to the process of roster building, they’re always in the market for interior defensive lineman that push the pocket and create gridlock at the line of scrimmage. Look no further than their decision to acquire Javon Hargrave during 2020’s offseason if you need any evidence.

It doesn’t seem like this would have been factual when you look at what he’s been able to accomplish, but once the announcement was made of his three-year, $39 million deal, though minor, there were a few moans and groans among Eagles enthusiasts following the decision.

As is the case every year, the general public was on board with bringing in wide receivers, cornerbacks, edge rushers, and linebackers. They wanted depth at safety and running back.

There wasn’t a need to invest an average of $13 million per season into the defensive tackle position. At least that’s how it felt. Fletcher Cox wasn’t showing the signs of deterioration that we’ve seen more frequently over the past two seasons. Philly had also signed Hassan Ridgeway to a one-year deal. Needless to say, those who questioned the decision were wrong.

Javon Hargrave is stress-free as he enters his third season in Philadelphia with the Eagles.

We already knew Javon was good, and following a slow start due to a few nicks and bruises, he’s been better than advertised. He finished his first season in midnight green on a high note. He was even better last year.

The question is why doesn’t he have an extension yet? That doesn’t seem to be on his mind as Philly prepares for the 2022-2023 regular season, the final year on the aforementioned deal he signed almost 26 months ago.

During a recent sitdown by several Eagles veterans with select members of the media, Javon stated he isn’t spending time worrying about what may or may not happen during the season or after its conclusion from a contractual standpoint. Here’s a quote, straight from the source.

"I love being in Philly. I feel like (these have been some of) my better years as a pro, but its’ whatever happens… I approach every year as a contract year in the NFL, especially (during) my rookie year. (There were) no guarantees., so every year was a contract year. (I’m) just focusing on one day at a time and trying to get better every day. ."

If nothing changed between now and the dawn of next offseason, 25 of the current members of Philly’s roster would enter free agency, including Javon, Fletcher Cox, Brandon Graham, Isaac Seumalo, Andre Dillard, Miles Sanders, and JJ Arcega-Whiteside (Miles spoke with the media after Hargrave and lamented he isn’t stressed over his contract situation either).

Philly may not bring all of those guys back. They may not allow all of them to walk either. The fact of the matter is this. Following a Pro Bowl nod to conclude last season, his first, Javon Hargrave is, no doubt, someone this Eagles organization has in mind. It’s hard not to after a 63-tackle, 7.5-sack outburst he tallied while appearing in 16 games last season.

None of us can guarantee anything. Still, it’s hard to imagine a scenario in which he’s allowed out of the door, especially if he improves on a fantastic season that we saw one year ago.