The Minnesota Vikings need to create some cap space as they facing a monstrous deficit as they are $45 milllion under the cap, according to Over The Cap.
That means there are going to be a lot of veterans who picked up big paydays last offseason that could be on the chopping block after the Vikings spent nearly $300 million in 2025. It appears as though the domino effect has already begun in Minnesota.
ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter reported that the Vikings have informed running back Aaron Jones and defensive tackle Javon Hargrave that, barring a trade, they both are going to be released from the team in the offseason. Jones missed five games last year due to injuries, as he only had 548 rushing yards and two touchdowns, while Hargrave had 52 tackles and 3.5 sacks in his first and now only season in Minnesota.
Sources: Vikings have informed running back Aaron Jones and defensive tackle Javon Hargrave that, barring a trade, they will be released at the start of the league year this month.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 1, 2026
Jones’ release will save the Vikings $7.75 million against the cap, Hargrave’s $10.9 million. pic.twitter.com/s5DdCTOWTX
The Minnesota Vikings are expected to make Aaron Jones and Javon Hargrave the first cap casualties of the 2026 offseason
These moves were expected, as Jones and Hargrave have been the subject of trade and cut rumors. If the Vikings decided to cut Jones and Hargrave, they would save a combined $18.65 million towards the cap.
While those moves would certainly help with the cap issues they face, more needs to be done to get back on track. The NFL announced that the salary cap has increased by $22 million for the 2026 season, which will be a massive help to the Vikings as they look at other options to save more money.
Minnesota is trying to avoid a full rebuild with the team, instead opting for a roster retooling as they try to get younger. The good news is that the Vikings have way more than the five picks they had last year, with this year now at eight selections.
Other players who could be on the hot seat this offseason include running back Jordan Mason, as the Vikings could redo their backfield, potentially saving $2.5 million with that move. Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson is another name to watch out for, as moving on from him will save the team $15.96 million towards the cap.
The biggest offseason question might be surrounding the quarterback position, but who else gets cut from the Vikings is the other big one, with more moves on the horizon.