What’s taking the Philadelphia Eagles so long to extend Javon Hargrave?

You would think that some things would be obvious. We all know that consistent winning by the Philadelphia Eagles is contingent on determining whether or not Jalen Hurts is their quarterback of the future. Everyone knows that teams who have identified their franchise signal-caller are the teams that we keep mentioning as the true Super Bowl contenders.

There are other common-sense theories that keep proving themselves to be true. Games are won and lost in the trenches. It’s always wise to invest in the offensive and defensive lines. Say what you want about the Birds’ theories of roster construction. They do that just about as well as anyone. Just take their decision to sign Javon Hargrave a little over two years ago.

It’s hard to believe this now, but Javon Hargrave‘s acquisition on March 20th of 2020 wasn’t met with a 100% approval rating when it happened. As is seemingly always the case, Philadelphia was running thin on wide receiver, cornerback, and linebacker talent.

Many hoped vice president/general manager Howie Roseman would make a splash by adding a big-name talent to upgrade one of those three positions. They, instead, gave a three-year, $39 million contract to a defensive tackle. No one should have been shocked. Again, that’s the business model in the City of Brotherly Love.

Why haven’t the Philadelphia Eagles extended Javon Hargrave yet?

Time has flown by. That aforementioned three-year deal that Hargrave signed is now approaching its final 17 regular-season games. So far, there’s been no sign of an extension.

Philly’s defensive line is deep. Fletcher Cox and Brandon Graham are the elder statesmen, but conventional thinking would lead one to believe that this is the final run in midnight green for both of them.

Josh Sweat inked his extension last season. The Eagles still haven’t given up on Derek Barnett. There are also young guys to get excited about: Milton Williams, Tarron Jackson, Matt Leo, and Jordan Davis. Philadelphia is also excited about last year’s draftee, Marlon Tuipulotu, and an undrafted youngster they found after the most recent selection meeting, Noah Elliss.

Here’s the thing. Six-foot-two, 305-pound defensive tackles who are still relatively young and are coming off of Pro Bowl seasons don’t grow on trees.

Hargrave won’t turn 30 until next February, and while that may make him eligible for football’s version of social security in the minds of some, he’s still on an upswing. Dare we say that he was Philadelphia’s best defensive tackle a season ago?

The double-team blocks that we normally see Cox battle through were often thrown in Hargrave’s direction. On the season, he still tallied 63 tackles, 7.5 sacks, 18 additional shots on the opposing quarterback, and a forced fumble.

Recently, Around The NFL writer Nick Shook, in his recent list of the top ten disruptors of 2021, placed Hargrave at number nine, one spot behind Aaron Donald. If you don’t think the Birds could use that type of game-wrecking ability moving forward, especially if they move on from Cox and B.G., you’re following yourselves.

There’s nothing to complain about with Javon Hargrave, other than the fact that he’s approaching 30. He’s one of the best at his position. He still has some productive years left, and he’s one of the best players on this Philadelphia Eagles roster. The Birds may not want to think too hard over inking him to an extension.