Vikings Set to Release Aaron Jones and Javon Hargrave, Saving $18.65 Million
The Minnesota Vikings have announced their intention to release running back Aaron Jones and defensive tackle Javon Hargrave at the start of the league year, barring any trades, as reported by ESPN. This decision will allow the Vikings to save a total of $18.65 million against the salary cap, with $7.75 million saved from releasing Jones and $10.9 million from Hargrave. Prior to these moves, the Vikings were estimated to be $44 million over the $301.2 million salary cap for the 2026 season. Key details include: League New Year and free agency begin on March 11 at 4 p.m. ET. All teams must comply with the salary cap by this deadline. Aaron Jones, 31, joined the Vikings as a free agent ahead of the 2024 season. In his first year, he started all 17 games, leading the team with 1,138 rushing yards, five rushing touchdowns, and two receiving scores. Last season, he recorded 548 rushing yards and three total touchdowns over 12 games. Previously, Jones spent seven seasons with the Green Bay Packers, where he was drafted in the fifth round. He is entering his 10th NFL season and is a Pro Bowler. Javon Hargrave, 33, also joined the Vikings before last season, playing in 16 games with 15 starts. He tallied 52 tackles, including 18 solo stops, and six quarterback hits in the 2025 season. Hargrave was originally drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft and has also played for the Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers, earning two Pro Bowl selections during his career. As he enters his 11th NFL season, Hargrave is now looking for his fifth team.
Source: CBS Sports - 2026-03-01