The Minnesota Vikings have officially begun reshaping their roster ahead of the 2026 NFL league year, informing veteran running back Aaron Jones and defensive tackle Javon Hargrave that both players will be released or potentially traded later this month as part of a major salary cap reset.
Minnesota entered the weekend roughly $43–44 million over the NFL’s $301.2 million salary cap, forcing the organization to make difficult financial decisions following consecutive offseasons of aggressive spending. According to ESPN, moving on from Jones and Hargrave will save the Vikings a combined $18.65 million in cap space — an essential first step toward becoming cap compliant before the new league year begins March 11.
Jones, 31, spent the past two seasons in Minnesota after beginning his career with the Green Bay Packers, where he emerged as one of the league’s most productive dual-threat running backs. His first season with the Vikings in 2024 was highly productive, as he posted career highs in touches (306), carries (255), offensive snaps (700), and rushing yards (1,138) while starting all 17 games.
However, injuries limited Jones during the 2025 campaign. He appeared in just 12 games, finishing with 548 rushing yards and 747 total yards from scrimmage — his lowest totals since his rookie season. With Jordan Mason emerging as the younger and more cost-effective option in the backfield, Jones became expendable financially. He was scheduled to earn $10 million in 2026 with a cap hit of $14.8 million.
A fan favorite both in Minnesota and his hometown of El Paso, Texas, Jones built a strong reputation on and off the field, frequently celebrating touchdowns by flashing the “9-1-5” area code in tribute to his roots.
Hargrave’s departure comes after just one season with the Vikings. The 33-year-old defensive tackle started 15 games in 2025, recording 52 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and six quarterback hits. Despite remaining a reliable interior presence, his $21.7 million cap number proved too steep for a team needing immediate financial relief.
A two-time Pro Bowler, Hargrave previously starred with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Philadelphia Eagles, and San Francisco 49ers before arriving in Minnesota. Younger defensive linemen, including breakout contributor Jalen Redmond, began taking on larger roles late in the season, further signaling a transition along the defensive front.
What Is Next for Jones and Hargrave
Both veterans are expected to generate interest quickly once officially released or made available via trade. Running back-needy contenders could view Jones as an experienced rotational starter capable of contributing immediately in both the rushing and passing game despite entering his age-31 season.
Hargrave should also attract attention from playoff-caliber teams seeking interior defensive line help. Proven pass-rushing defensive tackles remain highly valued across the league, and his experience, leadership, and postseason résumé make him an appealing short-term addition.
For Minnesota, these moves represent only the beginning of a larger roster overhaul. Additional restructures, extensions, or releases are expected as the Vikings work to close their remaining cap deficit and retool around a younger core heading into the 2026 season.
