The Green Bay Packers have bolstered their defensive line by agreeing to terms with veteran defensive tackle Javon Hargrave on a two-year, $23 million contract. The deal, which includes $13 million in the first year, was confirmed by Hargrave's agent Drew Rosenhaus to ESPN. Hargrave, 33, was officially released by the Minnesota Vikings earlier Wednesday.

This move addresses a pressing need for the Packers, who were already thin on the defensive line before trading Colby Wooden to the Indianapolis Colts for linebacker Zaire Franklin this week. Hargrave brings familiarity to the unit, having played under new defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon during their time together with the Philadelphia Eagles from 2021-22. In those two seasons, Hargrave recorded 18.5 sacks and 104 tackles.

Hargrave's signing marks a significant addition for Gannon in his first season as Green Bay's defensive coordinator. The veteran lineman, selected in the third round of the 2016 draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers, has accumulated 49 sacks over 10 NFL seasons and earned two Pro Bowl selections. His experience and proven production should provide immediate impact for the Packers' defensive front.