Report: Vikings to cut RB Aaron Jones, DT Javon Hargrave barring trade

Field Level Media|published: Sun 1st March, 11:58 2026

Dec 25, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones Sr. (33) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Detroit Lions in the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

The Minnesota Vikings informed running back Aaron Jones and defensive tackle Javon Hargrave that they will be released at the start of the league year barring a trade, ESPN reported on Sunday.

The new league year begins on March 11 at 4 p.m. ET.

Releasing Jones and Hargraves will save the Vikings $7.75 million and $10.9 million, respectively.

Per Spotrac, the Vikings were estimated to be $44,353,590 over the official salary cap of $301.2 million for the 2026 season.

Jones, 31, rushed for 548 yards on 132 carries with two touchdowns in 12 games (all starts) last season. He also had 28 catches for 199 yards and one score.

The 2020 Pro Bowl selection has totaled 7,626 rushing yards and 52 TDs on the ground in 126 career games with the Green Bay Packers (2017-23) and Vikings.

Hargrave, 33, had 52 tackles and 3.5 sacks in 16 games (15 starts) during his first season with Minnesota in 2025.

The two-time Pro Bowl selection has totaled 432 tackles and 49.0 sacks in 146 career games (130 starts) with the Pittsburgh Steelers (2016-19), Philadelphia Eagles (2020-22), San Francisco 49ers (2023-24) and Vikings.

--Field Level Media

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