Vikings eyeing Aaron Jones, Javon Hargrave as release candidates: Sources

The Vikings are eyeing veteran defensive tackle Javon Hargrave and veteran running back Aaron Jones as release candidates, according to multiple team sources. Trades are another avenue, if there are suitors.

Minnesota must clear around $45 million in cap space by the new league year. These two moves would help achieve that goal. Hargrave, specifically, is a no-brainer since his play didn’t fit well with defensive coordinator Brian Flores’ style. The Vikings would save close to $11 million in cap space by moving on from him.

Jones is a different conversation. His production dipped in 2025, and a hamstring injury limited him to 12 games. Still, his impact on the locker room and as a leader was undeniable. The Vikings were willing to explore a pay cut, but that would require serious work from both sides. Releasing Jones would save nearly $7.75 million.

Even with both moves, the Vikings will have ample work to do, which will likely lead to a busy week. They are pursuing pay cuts with key players. Defensive lineman Jonathan Allen and center Ryan Kelly are also cut candidates. Extensions could be on the horizon, too.

Minnesota will meet daily this week, according to team sources, to try to iron out a plan at quarterback. That choice takes precedence above all with eight days until the NFL’s legal tampering period begins ahead of free agency.