Andrew Buller-Russ
The new league year has yet to begin (March 11), but Minnesota Vikings rumors have already tied them to a number of different quarterbacks this offseason. While the Vikings would like to shop for a capable arm to provide stiff competition alongside J.J. McCarthy, they’ll have to clear some salary cap space first.
As of now, the Vikings are projected to be roughly $40 million over the 2026 salary cap. They have to get under the spending limit before March 11, when the NFL’s year ‘resets.’
As a result, new Vikings general manager Rob Brzezinski is spending some of his time trying to shed salary. While the Vikings will surely be releasing a player or two before free agency kicks off, they’re busy trying to trade some of them first.
According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the Vikings have been shopping two-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Javon Hargrave in trades to other teams. The Vikings just signed the 33-year-old Hargrave last season in an effort to solidify the defensive interior. Hargrave was signed to a two-year, $30 million contract, and he ended up starting 15 games.
What the Vikings didn’t anticipate was former UFL signee Jalen Redmond developing into a star. He ended up starting 15 games, outproducing Hargrave by recording six sacks compared to Hargrave’s 3.5. Now the Vikings are moving forward with Redmond, who’s just 26, and another two-time Pro Bowl DT in Jonathan Allen.
Related: NFL Execs Believe Minnesota Vikings Will Acquire 4x Pro Bowl QB
