Report: Vikings to release Jones, Hargrave barring trade

The Minnesota Vikings informed running back Aaron Jones and defensive tackle Javon Hargrave that the team will release them at the start of the new league year barring a trade, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Jones' release will save Minnesota $7.75 million against its cap, while Hargrave' will free up $10.9 million, Schefter adds.

Other candidates whom the Vikings could cut to add cap space are center Ryan Kelly and defensive lineman Jonathan Allen, according to The Athletic's Alec Lewis.

Jones, 31, spent the past two seasons with Minnesota after joining the club in 2024. He re-signed on a two-year contract worth up to $20 million last offseason.

The veteran appeared in 29 contests with the Vikings, totaling 1,686 rushing yards and seven scores on 387 attempts. He missed five games last year due to a hamstring injury suffered in Week 2, which ultimately landed him on injured reserve.

Jones, who's racked up 10,309 scrimmage yards over his nine-year career, played his first seven seasons in Green Bay after being selected in the fifth round of the 2017 draft out of UTEP.

Hargrave, 33, signed a two-year, $30-million deal in free agency last year following his release from the San Francisco 49ers. He played in 16 games in 2025, totaling 3.5 sacks and 52 tackles.