3 players that could follow Jim Schwartz to the Cleveland Browns
By Greg Newland
1. Javon Hargrave, Defensive Tackle
If you look at the Jim Schwartz-led defenses that were considered elite over the last few years, the one common tendency is a monster at defensive tackle. He had Ndamukong Suh in his prime with the Detroit Lions, and then Fletcher Cox in Philadelphia. The guy we can’t forget he also had while in Philly is Javon Hargrave.
That name is familiar to Browns fans as he played his first four seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers and was a constant disruptor. In 2022 at the age of 29, Hargrave had 60 tackles, 11 sacks, and one forced fumble. Not only can he eat up gaps with his 305-pound body frame, but he can also collapse a pocket and could be Myles Garrett’s best friend.
With guys like Fletcher Cox, Daron Payne, and Sheldon Rankins also free agents, I think the market could be cooler than anticipated for Hargrave. There’s no doubt he will get paid, but if the Eagles go hard after Cox to remain, it seems highly unlikely that they can pay him and Hargrave. That relationship with Schwartz could pay dividends and give the Browns a leg up.
Defensive tackle has been a rotating door the last few years with multiple guys brought in to fix the issue, but none having success. With Schwartz now driving this defense, look for him to make a big push for a veteran presence at defensive tackle who can make impact plays.
