Kirby Lee/USA TODAY Sports

49ers Expected to Cut Key Defensive Tackle

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Timm Hamm | Last updated Mar 6, 2025 3:33 PM ET

As the San Francisco 49ers prepare for next month's draft and free agency this offseason, changes to the current roster are clearing up cap space for future moves.

The team is expected to make several moves before the beginning of the new league year on March 12 when roster bonuses are due.

Against that backdrop, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that the 49ers will cut defensive tackle Javon Hargrave on Wednesday, making him a free agent.

Hargrave and the team restructured his contract last offseason, opening up cap space at the time. This time, his departure will create around $2 million in cap space.

General manager John Lynch noted that Hargrave could return to the team after the free agency period.

Hargrave, 32, has played in San Francisco for the past two seasons after spending three in Philly and four in Pittsburgh. He suffered a torn triceps and played just three games last season.

He is expected to be fully healthy in 2025 and contribute fully to wherever he ends up.

Hargrave has tallied 380 tackles with 215 solo and 55 for loss across nine seasons and 130 games while adding 45.5 sacks, four forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries, with one for a touchdown.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: