Vikings to Trade or Release Aaron Jones and Javon Hargrave
The Minnesota Vikings are actively restructuring their roster as they seek to improve their financial standing under the NFL’s salary cap regulations. Recent reports indicate that the team has notified veteran players Aaron Jones Sr. and Javon Hargrave about their impending release unless a trade can be arranged.
Vikings Financial Situation
As of now, the Vikings are facing a significant salary cap deficit, estimated at $43 million over the league’s threshold of $301.2 million. This financial strain is a result of two years of aggressive spending in free agency. By parting ways with Jones and Hargrave, the team aims to clear approximately $18.65 million in cap space.
Details on Aaron Jones
- Age: 31
- Years with Vikings: 2
- Previous Team: Green Bay Packers (7 years)
- 2024 Season Stats: 306 touches, 1,138 rushing yards
- 2025 Performance: 12 games, 548 rushing yards
- 2026 Salary: $10 million with a cap hit of $14.8 million
Jones had a standout season in 2024, recording career highs in various categories. However, injuries plagued his 2025 campaign, resulting in lower performance metrics, marking the worst statistical year of his career since his rookie season.
Overview of Javon Hargrave
- Age: 33
- Years with Vikings: 1 (signed last year)
- Previous Team: San Francisco 49ers
- 2025 Performance: Started 15 games, 3.5 sacks
- 2026 Salary: $15 million with a cap hit of $21.7 million
Hargrave joined the Vikings following a recovery from a major injury but struggled to maintain peak performance levels during the 2025 season. His contract situation contributes to the team’s overall financial challenges this offseason.
