Vikings to Cut Aaron Jones, Javon Hargrave in Cap Purge

Minnesota Vikings aim to save nearly $19 million in salary cap space by releasing two former Pro Bowlers.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The Minnesota Vikings are making major roster moves ahead of the 2026 NFL season, planning to release starting running back Aaron Jones and defensive tackle Javon Hargrave in a salary cap-saving effort. The team is currently nearly $43 million over the league's $301.2 million salary cap, and these cuts are expected to free up close to $19 million in cap space.

Why it matters

The Vikings are coming off a disappointing 9-8 season in 2025 after a 14-3 campaign in 2024, and these moves are part of a broader effort to reshape the roster and get the team back on track. Cutting high-priced veterans like Jones and Hargrave will allow the Vikings to free up cap space to re-sign key players and pursue free agents that better fit their needs.

The details

Aaron Jones, a one-time Pro Bowler, had a down year in 2025, rushing for 548 yards and 3 touchdowns after a career-best 1,138 yards and 7 touchdowns the previous season. Javon Hargrave, a two-time Pro Bowler, had 52 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and a forced fumble in his only season with the Vikings in 2025 after previous stints with the Eagles, 49ers, and Steelers.

  • The Vikings are planning these roster moves ahead of the start of free agency on March 9, 2026.
  • Aaron Jones is 31 years old, while Javon Hargrave just turned 33 in February 2026.

The players

Aaron Jones

A one-time Pro Bowl running back who spent the first seven seasons of his NFL career with the rival Green Bay Packers before joining the Vikings in 2024.

Javon Hargrave

A two-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle who has played for the Eagles, 49ers, and Steelers over his 10-year NFL career, joining the Vikings in 2025.

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What’s next

The Vikings will need to finalize their roster moves and free agency plans before the start of the 2026 NFL season.

The takeaway

The Vikings' decision to cut high-priced veterans like Aaron Jones and Javon Hargrave is a clear sign that the team is looking to reshape its roster and get back to being a contender in the NFC. These moves will free up valuable salary cap space, allowing the Vikings to re-sign key players and pursue free agents that better fit their needs.