Trending Now - Vikings Plan to Part Ways With RB Aaron Jones and Veterans

WHO:

Minnesota Vikings (NFL team)

Aaron Jones Sr. (running back)

Javon Hargrave (defensive tackle)

Adam Schefter (ESPN reporter)

Drew Rosenhaus (agent for Jones and Hargrave)

Jonathan Allen (defensive tackle, potential release candidate)

Ryan Kelly (center, potential release candidate)

Justin Jefferson (receiver, potential contract restructure)

T.J. Hockenson (tight end, potential contract restructure)

Brian O'Neill (right tackle, potential contract restructure)

J.J. McCarthy (quarterback, current depth chart leader)

WHAT:

The Vikings plan to release or trade Aaron Jones and Javon Hargrave.

The moves will create $18.65 million in salary cap space.

The Vikings are $43 million over the NFL's salary cap of $301.2 million.

Other players considered for release include Jonathan Allen and Ryan Kelly.

The Vikings may restructure contracts for Justin Jefferson, T.J. Hockenson, and Brian O'Neill.

WHERE:

Eagan, Minnesota (location of the Vikings' headquarters)

WHEN:

Deadline to be under the salary cap: 4:00 p.m. ET on March 11, 2026

Aaron Jones played for the Vikings for two seasons (2023-2025).

Jones had career highs in 2024 with 306 touches, 255 carries, 700 offensive snaps, and 1,138 rushing yards.

In 2025, Jones played 12 games and had 548 rushing yards and 747 total yards from scrimmage.

WHY:

The Vikings are in a salary-cap crunch due to heavy spending in the previous two years.

HOW:

The Vikings will achieve salary cap compliance by releasing or trading players and potentially restructuring contracts.

The Minnesota Vikings are planning to release or trade running back Aaron Jones and defensive tackle Javon Hargrave as they look to create $18.65 million in salary cap space, facing a hefty $43 million over the NFL's salary cap. Other players, including Jonathan Allen and Ryan Kelly, are also under consideration for release, while the team may restructure contracts for stars like Justin Jefferson, T.J. Hockenson, and Brian O'Neill. With a deadline to be under the salary cap by 4:00 p.m. ET on March 11, the Vikings are navigating a challenging financial situation after significant spending in the past two years.