Vikings Release Defensive Linemen After Spending Spree

Minnesota clears salary cap space by cutting ties with Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave.

Published on Mar. 12, 2026

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The Minnesota Vikings have released defensive linemen Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave, clearing over $21 million in salary cap space. The moves come after the Vikings spent heavily on free agents last year in a failed attempt to contend, with Allen and Hargrave not making enough of an impact to justify their high-priced contracts. The Vikings are now searching for a veteran quarterback to compete with or replace J.J. McCarthy, and have been quiet in free agency this offseason.

Why it matters

The Vikings' release of Allen and Hargrave highlights the risks of overspending in free agency, especially on defensive linemen, in an attempt to quickly build a contender. The moves clear significant cap space for Minnesota, but also represent a setback in their efforts to build a championship-caliber roster.

The details

The Vikings released Allen and Hargrave, who were both signed to lucrative free agent deals last year, after they failed to make a significant impact on the team's defense in 2025. Allen had 3.5 sacks and 11 quarterback hits, while Hargrave had 3.5 sacks and 6 quarterback hits. Both players were overshadowed by rising star Jalen Redmond on the interior of the Vikings' defensive line.

  • On March 12, 2026, the Vikings released Allen and Hargrave.
  • The Vikings also released safety Harrison Smith with a post-June 1 designation.

The players

Jonathan Allen

A defensive lineman who was signed by the Vikings to a three-year deal with over $23 million guaranteed in 2025, but failed to live up to his contract.

Javon Hargrave

A defensive lineman who was signed by the Vikings to a two-year, $23 million contract with $10.5 million guaranteed in 2025, but also did not make a significant impact.

Harrison Smith

A six-time Pro Bowl safety for the Vikings who was released with a post-June 1 designation, as he mulls whether to return for a 15th NFL season.

Jalen Redmond

A rising standout defensive tackle on the Vikings' interior defensive line who overshadowed the more expensive free agent additions of Allen and Hargrave.

Aaron Jones

The Vikings' running back who agreed to a revised contract to lower his base salary in exchange for more guaranteed money, clearing $3.4 million in cap space.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The Vikings are searching for a veteran quarterback to compete with or replace J.J. McCarthy, with Kyler Murray being the most obvious candidate following his release by the Arizona Cardinals.

The takeaway

The Vikings' release of Allen and Hargrave serves as a cautionary tale about the risks of overspending in free agency, especially on defensive linemen, in an attempt to quickly build a contender. The moves clear significant cap space, but also represent a setback in their efforts to build a championship-caliber roster.