The quarterback position continues to dominate the conversation around the 2025 Minnesota Vikings, and rightfully so, with a different player under center seemingly every other week.
The Vikings’ quarterback play has been among the worst in football, but it’s hardly their only problem. Brian Flores’ defense has taken a step back, especially against the run, thanks in part to a secondary that was left thin in the offseason by general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and the front office. A rash of injuries up front has led to constant mixing and matching along the offensive line.
Minnesota also hasn’t gotten the elite play from its skill position group that it expects, with Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison pacing towards career-low receiving numbers on a per-game basis.
Now well outside the NFC playoff picture, the Vikings could be heading toward an offseason full of change. The team spent big in 2025 free agency, and Adofo-Mensah and company could have little choice but to clear the books for a mini-rebuild at the start of the next league year.
3 potential salary cap casualties for the Minnesota Vikings in 2026
Aaron Jones - RB
Jones continues to be a productive player in coach Kevin O’Connell’s offense, but 2025 could be the end of the line. Jones will turn 31 next season, and the Vikings could look to cut ties before $2 million of his remaining contract becomes guaranteed on the third league day of 2026, per Spotrac.
Building a more dependable rushing attack should be a priority for the team next year after the 1-2 punch of Jones and Jordan Mason failed to gain much traction in 2025.
T.J. Hockenson - TE
Hockenson still has two years left on the extension he signed with Minnesota back in 2023, but the Vikings will likely explore an exit plan this offseason. They actually have one built into his current contract, as the team can release Hockenson in 2026 for just a $12.5 million dead-cap hit, according to Spotrac.
Hockenson’s 8.1 yards per reception this season is the lowest of his career. The Vikings need to get younger and more dynamic at that position, and 2026 feels like the right time; Hockenson’s salary cap hit will be $21.4 million if he remains on the roster.
Javon Hargrave - DL
Vikings fans expected big things from their new-look defensive line with Hargrave and Jonathan Allen joining the team this season, but the impact has been a mixed bag. Minnesota could justify moving on from Hargrave, whose play has picked up in recent weeks, but he only has $4 million in guaranteed money remaining on his deal in 2026.
The undrafted Jalen Redmond continues to be the Vikings’ top interior lineman, and Levi Drake Rodriguez has flashed enough to earn more reps going forward. Hargrave’s contract is also structured like a de facto one-year deal, as his $21.5 million cap hit for 2026 isn’t very realistic for a player entering his age-33 season.