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INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 23: Javon Hargrave #97 of the Minnesota Vikings during warm up before the game between the Minnesota Vikings and the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium on October 23, 2025 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
The NFC North could be in for an unexpected twist to open free agency.
On Sunday morning, ESPN insider Adam Schefter reported that the Minnesota Vikings have informed running back Aaron Jones and defensive tackle Javon Hargrave that they will be released at the start of the new league year on March 11 if no trade materializes. “Jones’ release will save the Vikings $7.75 million against the cap, Hargrave’s $10.9 million,” Schefter wrote.
For the Chicago Bears, that development instantly puts a new name on the radar.
Hargrave is a proven interior pass rusher with 49 career sacks, and his pending release could create a rare opportunity for the Bears to strengthen a defensive front that still has questions heading into 2026.
A Proven Pass Rusher Could Fill a Key Bears Need
The Bears’ defensive tackle room is far from settled. Andrew Billings and Chris Williams are both set to hit unrestricted free agency.
Additionally, while Gervon Dexter logged the most snaps among Chicago interior linemen last season, his long-term outlook remains uncertain. Reports have surfaced that teams have inquired about Dexter’s availability, and his struggles as a run defender may complicate extension talks.
Grady Jarrett is the only interior lineman who feels like a lock to return. However, even he is coming off a statistically down year in terms of pressure rate.
If Chicago wants to improve its ability to collapse the pocket from the inside, Hargrave fits the profile.
Even in a reduced role last season, he totaled 52 tackles and 3.5 sacks while playing just over half of his available defensive snaps.
Prior to his partially torn triceps in 2024, Hargrave had established himself as one of the league’s more disruptive interior defenders. He posted multiple seasons with seven or more sacks.
In 2025, the Bears often relied heavily on edge pressure. Adding a low-cost veteran who can win quickly up the middle would create the perfect balance.
Bears Emerge in Wake of NFC North Cap Casualty
Hargrave’s contract situation is what makes this scenario realistic.
After signing a back loaded two year deal with Minnesota, his cap number was set to rise above $21 million in 2026. By releasing him, the Vikings clear significant space while absorbing a far more manageable dead money hit.
At 33 years old and entering his 11th season, Hargrave is unlikely to command top of the market money. That could align perfectly with Chicago’s needs.
The Bears have financial flexibility, but they must also be selective as they reshape the roster around a young core. Signing a respected veteran away from a division rival could be a smart first step.
Minnesota’s cap-driven decision may ultimately give Chicago a chance to plug a glaring need with a player who knows the division well and who has been around the league for over a decade.
It would not be a flashy signing, but Hargrave could quietly fill an important role. If the Bears plan to make multiple moves along the defensive front this offseason, he fits as one of several additions aimed at adding depth, experience and interior pass rush.