The 2026 NFL Combine is underway, and things are looking up with new prospects on the horizon. That said, teams are gearing up to strengthen their weak areas. Some of them have free agents, some are releasing players, while others are trying to find the right fit. Amidst all this signing-releasing chaos, the Minnesota Vikings have big news.
To save crucial salary cap space, they will be releasing running back Aaron Jones and defensive tackle Javon Hargrave. Jones is just off after his second season with the Vikings, while Hargrave was off his first. The NFL world has started taking notice and reacting.
Vikings Cutting Ties With Aaron Jones Evokes Wild Reactions
NFL insider Adam Schefter broke the news on X, talking about the recent developments inside the Vikings’ office.
“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,” his X post read.
The $18.65 million in cap space opens a new world of opportunities for the team. The Vikings did not perform up to the mark in the 2025 season. They ranked 28th on the PFSN NFL Offensive Impact metrics with an impact score of 66.0. They could use some good additions to the team’s attack.
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
The Athletic’s senior writer Zack Rosenblatt expressed his feelings on X, writing, “Aaron Jones, congrats, you are a Steeler.” There is a good chance the Pittsburgh Steelers will look to add an experienced RB to their roster.
Aaron Jones, congrats, you are a Steeler. https://t.co/T9tBnIuUNI
— Zack Rosenblatt (@ZackBlatt) March 1, 2026
Vikings beat writer for SI, Will Ragatz, also got on X with his opinion on the matter. He gave a neutral stance, justifying the move.
“The Vikings’ push towards cap space begins. Neither move here is much of a surprise. Both RB and DT will be notable needs in FA/draft,” Ragatz wrote on X.
The Vikings’ push towards cap space begins. Neither move here is much of a surprise. Both RB and DT will be notable needs in FA/draft. https://t.co/uQhdmMcckq
— Will Ragatz (@WillRagatz) March 1, 2026
Eli Berkovits, co-host of the “Pack A Day” podcast and writer for 247 Sports, is known for being an avid Green Bay Packers fan. He calls for the good-old golden-day vibes.
“Bring Aaron Jones back even if it’s just for the vibes,” he wrote on X.
Bring Aaron Jones back even if it’s just for the vibes https://t.co/vI8l7p2S3B
— Eli Berkovits (@BookOfEli_NFL) March 1, 2026
Football Analysis, a YouTube channel breaking down football, saw this coming. “This was always going to happen,” he wrote on X.
This was always going to happen https://t.co/dWyt5wcScJ
— Football Analysis (@FBallAnalysisYT) March 1, 2026
With everything looking towards the direction of a trade, it is going to be a show when they take place.
