3 Huge questions surrounding the Eagles defensive tackle position

Why haven’t the Eagles signed Javon Hargrave to an extension yet?

It’s hard to imagine that any NFL team can enter training camp seemingly unphased by the fact that one of their Pro Bowlers from the previous campaign is at the end of his current deal. Such is the case in the City of Brotherly Love however.

If nothing changes contractually for Javon Hargrave pretty soon, this will be his swan song in Philly as a member of the Birds. Sure, Howie Roseman, his team, and the Eagles brass have been among the NFL’s best franchises at keeping most of these matters quiet and in-house, but in terms of Hargrave, things seem quieter than normal.

How is Derek Barnett signed from now through 2024 and Hargrave is playing with little to no job security? Sure, the Birds have a potential ‘out’ worked into Barnett’s contract after this season, but that’s beside the point.

Javon has at least proven his value. The Birds have gotten next to nothing out of Barnett, other than ill-timed personal-foul penalties and a lot of stress.

As far as Hargrave is concerned, the 2021-2022 season was his best, and if Philly looks to employ a 3-4 defensive base set into their scheme, he provides value (remember, he ran said scheme in Pittsburgh with the Steelers).

Fletcher Cox is playing on a one-year deal as well. The defensive tackle position appears to be where the Birds are deepest, but past this year, much is uncertain. They could look a lot different next season.