Andrew Buller-Russ
NFL free agency is right around the corner. Yet, before the Minnesota Vikings can be active when free agency kicks off on March 9, they’ll need to be cap compliant. Right now, they’re roughly $43 million OVER the spending limit.
However, according to The Athletic‘s Alec Lewis, the Vikings intend to cut former Pro Bowl defensive tackle Javon Hargrave and former Pro Bowl running back Aaron Jones. Releasing both of them outright would save the Vikings roughly $18.75 million.
“The Vikings are eyeing veteran defensive tackle Javon Hargrave and veteran running back Aaron Jones as release candidates, according to multiple team sources,” Lewis wrote. “Trades are another avenue, if there are suitors.”
As noted, Vikings general manager Rob Brzezinski is still hoping to find a trade suitor for both players. There’s also a possibility that Jones, who is viewed as a valued locker room leader, returns at a reduced rate.
Lewis mentioned that former Pro Bowl center Ryan Kelly, who battled multiple concussions in 2025, is another cut candidate. As is former Pro Bowl defensive tackle Jonathan Allen after Jalen Redmond’s breakout season.
Either way, the Vikings are clearly sending a message that they’re looking to cut costs, and they’ll have to get creative to do it. Thus, parting ways with several Pro Bowl talents is under consideration as they try to carve out a path to hunt for another quarterback too.
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