The Minnesota Vikings have informed running back Aaron Jones and defensive tackle Javon Hargrave that they will be released at the start of the 2026 league year unless traded, according to ESPN. These moves would help the Vikings reduce their salary cap obligations by $18.65 million heading into the new season.
Cap Space Pressure Forces Roster Changes Before League Year
Releasing Jones would save the Vikings $7.75 million against the salary cap, while cutting Hargrave would free up $10.9 million. Spotrac reports that Minnesota was roughly $44 million over the $301.2 million salary cap limit for the 2026 season before any player transactions. All teams must be compliant with the cap when the new league year and free agency begin on March 11 at 4 p.m. ET.
Aaron Jones’s Career and Contributions in Minnesota
Aaron Jones, 31, arrived in Minnesota as a free agent before the 2024 season. In his first year with the Vikings, he started every game, rushing for 1,138 yards and scoring five rushing touchdowns along with two receiving touchdowns. During the previous season with the Packers, Jones recorded 548 rushing yards, ranking second on the team, and contributed two rushing and one receiving touchdowns in 12 games. Originally drafted in the fifth round by Green Bay, Jones spent seven seasons playing at Lambeau Field and is entering his 10th NFL season as a Pro Bowler.
Javon Hargrave’s NFL Journey and Performance with the Vikings
Defensive tackle Javon Hargrave, age 33, joined the Vikings before last season and appeared in 16 games, starting 15. He completed the 2025 campaign with 52 tackles — including 18 solo stops — and six quarterback hits. Hargrave was selected in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he played through 2019. He then spent four seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, earning one of his two Pro Bowl selections, before playing for the San Francisco 49ers in 2023 and 2024, where he earned his other Pro Bowl nod. Now entering his 11th season, Hargrave is set to pursue his fifth team in the league.
Implications of the Releases for the Vikings and Players
These roster moves are aimed at bringing Minnesota back under the NFL salary cap, a necessary step as the league approaches free agency. For Jones and Hargrave, the potential releases mark a pivotal moment to find new opportunities elsewhere in the league. The Vikings’ difficult decisions highlight ongoing challenges teams face balancing veteran talent with salary constraints as they prepare for future competitiveness.
“The Vikings have informed running back Aaron Jones and defensive tackle Javon Hargrave that they will be released at the start of the league year, barring a trade.” – ESPN
“The Pro Bowler is entering his 10th year in the league.” – Source Content
“Entering his 11th NFL season, Hargrave will now reportedly look for his fifth landing spot.” – Source Content
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.
Jones’ release will save the Vikings $7.75 million against the cap, Hargrave’s $10.9 million. pic.twitter.com/s5DdCTOWTX
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 1, 2026
