Major Changes Ahead for the Minnesota Vikings in 2026

The Minnesota Vikings are gearing up for significant changes in 2026.

After posting a strong 14-3 record in 2024, the Vikings faced disappointment in 2025 with a 9-8 season. It seems they’re hoping to turn things around this year.

As reported by ESPN, the Vikings are looking ahead to free agency, which kicks off on March 9. They’re considering releasing two former Pro Bowl players: starting running back Aaron Jones and defensive tackle Javon Hargrave, unless they can find suitable trade options.

This move could potentially free up around $19 million in salary cap space.

Currently, the team is approximately $43 million over the NFL’s salary cap of $301.2 million.

There’s also the possibility of trimming more from the roster, which would add to their savings.

Jones struggled with injuries last season, making it hard for him to replicate the success he enjoyed in his first year with the Vikings less than two years ago.

In 2025, the 31-year-old running back recorded 548 rushing yards on 132 attempts, alongside 28 receptions for 199 yards and three total touchdowns.

That’s quite a drop from 2024, where he had a stellar season with 1,138 rushing yards on 255 carries and added 408 receiving yards with seven touchdowns from 51 catches.

Jones has quite the backstory, having played for the Green Bay Packers from 2017 to 2023, racking up over 8,000 all-purpose yards.

As for Hargrave, who just celebrated his 33rd birthday in February, he made his mark with 52 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and one forced fumble during his one season with the Vikings in 2025.

Previously, he was a two-time Pro Bowler with the Philadelphia Eagles, competing in the Super Bowl against both the Kansas City Chiefs in 2023 and the San Francisco 49ers a year later.

He started his NFL journey with the Pittsburgh Steelers from 2016 to 2019, marking the beginning of his professional career.