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Vikings Make Decision on Veteran RB Amid NFL Offseason

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Manhaz Muntaha | Last updated Mar 1, 2026 2:05 PM ET

The Minnesota Vikings finished the 2025 season with a 9–8 record. A five-game winning streak to close the year helped them salvage a respectable record, but it was still a sharp drop from their 14–3 finish in 2024.

Now, here comes the hard part. Minnesota is approaching the start of the 2026 league year roughly $44.3 million over the salary cap. To fix this, the front office has already started cutting costs and reshaping the roster.

According to the latest report from ESPN's Adam Schefter , the franchise has reportedly informed running back Aaron Jones that he will be released at the start of the new league year on March 11 unless a trade is finalized first.

Sources: Vikings have informed running back Aaron Jones and defensive tackle Javon Hargrave that, barring a trade, they will be released at the start of the league year this month.

Jones’ release will save the Vikings $7.75 million against the cap, Hargrave’s $10.9 million. pic.twitter.com/s5DdCTOWTX
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 1, 2026

Defensive tackle Javon Hargrave also received the same notice, as the franchise tries to meet the NFL's new $301.2 million salary cap. Jones' release or trade, however, will save $7.75 million against the cap. Jones has a 2026 cap hit of approximately $14.55 million.

The Texas native had a career-best season in 2024, but he struggled with durability and efficiency during his second year in Minnesota. A hip injury limited him to 12 games and visibly affected his production, finishing with 548 rushing yards and 199 receiving yards. Both numbers are his lowest marks since his 2017 rookie season.

Over two years under Kevin O’Connell, he has totaled 1,686 rushing yards and 607 receiving yards, for 2,293 yards from scrimmage.

That's why a trade discussion remains on the table. The Detroit Lions, San Francisco 49ers and Arizona Cardinals are all potential landing spots if Jones becomes a free agent, as each team could be in need of a veteran to support their starter.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are also in the mix, as head coach Mike McCarthy coached Jones for two seasons with the Green Bay Packers. With Kenneth Gainwell expected to leave Pittsburgh for a bigger contract elsewhere, they have a clear opening to acquire Jones for their roster.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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