Five days after reports surfaced that they were attempting to trade him one year after signing him in free agency to a big contract, the Minnesota Vikings are preparing to release veteran defensive lineman Javon Hargrave.
According to a report from ESPN’s Adam Schefter Sunday morning, the Vikings have reportedly informed Hargrave that they will be releasing him at the start of the new league year on March 11, barring a last-second trade.
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
Back on February 24, NFL Insider Jordan Schultz reported the Vikings were looking to trade Hargrave just one year after adding him in free agency. His first season with the Vikings didn’t go well as he had just 31 pressures and 3.5 sacks, his lowest full-season total since his rookie season with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2016.
Hargrave is due nearly $15 million in 2026, which makes him very hard to trade, unless the Vikings were to eat a chunk of that. But based on Hargrave’s play last season, there doesn’t seem to be many suitors for a 33-year-old interior defensive lineman with that type of price tag and limited production.
Javon Hargrave is due nearly $15M in total in 2026 and that will be a hard contract to trade if the Vikings don't eat a chunk of it as part of that. Probably winds up being released outright. #Steelers #NFL https://t.co/MPQIOprM9m
— Steelers Depot 7⃣ (@Steelersdepot) February 24, 2026
Though the Steelers still have a need for depth along the defensive line, it seems unlikely Pittsburgh would entertain a reunion with the 33-year-old, unless the price tag came at a significant discount following a release.
One reunion that could make sense for the Steelers based on some recent Vikings decisions could be running back Aaron Jones with Steelers’ first-year head coach Mike McCarthy.
Jones had some success under McCarthy in Green Bay, developing from a fifth-round pick into the starting running back. Though his best years were under Matt LaFleur in Green Bay, Jones has experience playing under McCarthy, and has a great relationship with Aaron Rodgers.
With the Steelers reportedly preparing to lose team MVP Kenneth Gainwell in free agency, according to a report from the Post-Gazette’s Gery Dulac, there could be a need at running back behind Jaylen Warren. Jones has struggled with injuries in recent years, missing five games last season and six games in 2023, but when he’s on the field he’s a productive runner and pass catcher.
Most importantly, he provides great leadership in the locker room, and could be a nice addition to the running backs room under position coach Ramon Chinyoung Sr., one that could help second-year pro Kaleb Johnson find his footing in the NFL in the process.
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