Posted on Mar 05

Vikings plan to release DT Allen, DT Hargrave, and RB Jones to save $25.2M

Posted Mar 5, 2026

The Minnesota Vikings are set to release defensive tackle Jonathan Allen as they restructure their roster to address significant salary cap issues.

Why it matters: This decision reflects the Vikings' broader strategy of financial recalibration after a disappointing season where they spent nearly $350 million to strengthen their team but failed to secure a playoff spot.

Releasing Allen, who earned $16.2 million last season and recorded 68 tackles and 3.5 sacks, will save the Vikings $6.5 million against the 2026 salary cap.
The move is part of a larger effort that includes releasing Javon Hargrave and running back Aaron Jones Sr., which together could yield $25.2 million in cap relief.

What’s new: The Vikings are not merely shedding Allen; they are making a series of strategic cuts.

Alongside Allen's departure, both Hargrave and Jones are also on the chopping block, signaling a commitment to reallocate resources effectively.
This trio of releases is projected to avoid approximately $40 million in cash payments, indicating a decisive shift in financial priorities for the organization.

Yes, but: While the cap savings are significant, these moves could have implications for the team's performance.

Allen has proven to be a durable player, appearing in all 17 games last season, which raises concerns about the depth and effectiveness of the defensive line moving forward.
With J.J. McCarthy, a central figure in the team's future plans, still under development, the Vikings need to ensure they retain enough talent around him.

What to watch: As the Vikings navigate these changes, attention will turn to other players whose futures hang in the balance.

The status of outside linebacker Jonathan Greenard remains uncertain, with potential trade discussions if a contract adjustment cannot be reached.
Center Ryan Kelly is also in question due to injury concerns, adding another layer of complexity to the Vikings' roster management.

The bottom line: These decisions mark a pivotal moment for the Vikings as they pivot from a high-spending approach to a more measured strategy aimed at long-term sustainability.

The combination of releasing key players while trying to build around McCarthy signals a transition, albeit one fraught with risk given the need for immediate competitiveness in the NFL.
The Vikings must now carefully evaluate their remaining assets and draft strategy to rebuild effectively while maintaining a competitive edge in the coming seasons.

Vikings plan to release DT Allen, DT Hargrave, and RB Jones to save $25.2M

Alex Parker

Posted Mar 5, 2026

The Minnesota Vikings are set to release defensive tackle Jonathan Allen as they restructure their roster to address significant salary cap issues.

Releasing Allen, who earned $16.2 million last season and recorded 68 tackles and 3.5 sacks, will save the Vikings $6.5 million against the 2026 salary cap.

The move is part of a larger effort that includes releasing Javon Hargrave and running back Aaron Jones Sr., which together could yield $25.2 million in cap relief.

What’s new: The Vikings are not merely shedding Allen; they are making a series of strategic cuts.

Alongside Allen's departure, both Hargrave and Jones are also on the chopping block, signaling a commitment to reallocate resources effectively.

This trio of releases is projected to avoid approximately $40 million in cash payments, indicating a decisive shift in financial priorities for the organization.

Yes, but: While the cap savings are significant, these moves could have implications for the team's performance.

Allen has proven to be a durable player, appearing in all 17 games last season, which raises concerns about the depth and effectiveness of the defensive line moving forward.

With J.J. McCarthy, a central figure in the team's future plans, still under development, the Vikings need to ensure they retain enough talent around him.

What to watch: As the Vikings navigate these changes, attention will turn to other players whose futures hang in the balance.

The status of outside linebacker Jonathan Greenard remains uncertain, with potential trade discussions if a contract adjustment cannot be reached.

Center Ryan Kelly is also in question due to injury concerns, adding another layer of complexity to the Vikings' roster management.

The bottom line: These decisions mark a pivotal moment for the Vikings as they pivot from a high-spending approach to a more measured strategy aimed at long-term sustainability.

The combination of releasing key players while trying to build around McCarthy signals a transition, albeit one fraught with risk given the need for immediate competitiveness in the NFL.

The Vikings must now carefully evaluate their remaining assets and draft strategy to rebuild effectively while maintaining a competitive edge in the coming seasons.