Sources: Vikings to trade or cut Aaron Jones, Javon Hargrave

Eagan, Minn. — The minnesota vikings The veteran running back has begun to reduce his salary cap deficit by reporting Aaron Jones Sr.. and defensive tackle Javon Hargrave Sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Sunday that he will be released without a transaction at the end of the month.

The move will save the team $18.65 million in cap space. Entering the weekend, the Vikings were nearly $43 million over the NFL’s $301.2 million limit, the result of two consecutive years of heavy free agent spending. Other candidates for contract termination include defensive tackle jonathan allen and center ryan kelly. It’s also possible the Vikings could lower the cap numbers of other players, including receivers. Justin Jeffersonright tackle Brian O’Neill and tight end TJ Hockenson – Either through contract extension or restructuring.

Jones, 31, spent two seasons with the Vikings after playing his first seven years in the NFL green Bay Packers. He set career highs in touches (306), carries (255), offensive snaps (700) and rushing yards (1,138) during the 2024 season, but injuries plagued him in 2025. He played in 12 games and only managed 548 rushing yards and 747 total yards from scrimmage, both the lowest of his career since he was a rookie in 2017.

A beloved and respected member of the Vikings locker room, Jones was essentially the team’s No. 2 running back. Jordan Mason And was set to earn $10 million in 2026, with a cap hit of $14.8 million.

Hargrave, meanwhile, signed a two-year contract with the Vikings last year after recovering from a right triceps injury that cut short his 2024 season. san francisco 49ers.

He started 15 games at age 33 but only had 3.5 sacks and was set to make $15 million with a $21.7 million cap hit for the 2026 season.