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4 Vikings Contracts That May Not Survive the Offseason
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- 4 Vikings Contracts That May Not Survive the Offseason
Brad Rempel-Imagn Images
As we look towards the 2026 season, the Minnesota Vikings are projected to be over $38 million under the salary cap. Before we think about what the Vikings may want to add to their team, there are needs to be addressed, including a $10 million buffer for signing the draft class and in-season transactions.
Minnesota needs real cap relief, not cosmetic tweaks, and these four contracts stand out.
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That's nearly $50 million that needs to be saved before Minnesota can think about additions. Big contracts will be restructured to help, and some players may get extensions that push money back into later years.
The Contracts Putting the Vikings' Cap to the Test
However, savings will be needed by letting some well-paid players leave. Here are my top four choices for Vikings who should be salary cap casualties this offseason.
Sep 21, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings tight end TJ. Hockenson (87) catches a touchdown pass in front of Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Josh Newton (28) during the second half at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.
When Kwesi Adofo-Mensah traded a second-round pick to the Detroit Lions for Hockenson, it looked like a good move. A top-tier tight end was the missing piece to a very talented passing offense. Hockenson was a revelation over the second half of the 2022 season and the 2023 season, until his second year in Minnesota was abruptly ended by a serious knee injury.
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Since returning from injury, Hockenson hasn't enjoyed the same success, and because the Vikings made him one of the highest-paid TEs in the league, his production hasn't matched the outlay. Hockenson's cap hit for 2026 is $21.3 million and increases again next year. Minnesota can't keep him at that much; something has to give.
Ryan Kelly was the solid center that the team needed in the middle of their offensive line. Unfortunately, his history of concussion followed him to Minnesota. Three separate concussions meant Kelly only played in eight games in 2025, and he might decide enough is enough for his long-term health.
Minnesota Vikings center Ryan Kelly signs his contract after joining the team during 2025 NFL free agency. March 17, 2025. Kelly suffered a couple of concussions in 2025, limiting his availability. Mandatory Credit: YouTube
Either way, it isn't easy to make a case for bringing him back for a second season when there's over $8 million of savings to be made by releasing him.
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The signing of Javon Hargrave was meant to give the Vikings' defense some interior pass rush. He did provide that, but not at the level you want for the money he was being paid. At 33 years old and a cap hit of $21.5 million for the 2026 season, Hargrave probably needs to go unless he's willing to rework his deal, although Hargrave had a better season than the other DT, Jonathan Allen , who signed in free agency last year.
The savings from cutting Allen are nowhere near what can be achieved by parting ways with Hargrave. The need to claw money back is what will do for Hargrave.
Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones (33) warms up on the field mid-October 2024 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis before facing the Detroit Lions. The veteran tailback has been a steady contributor in Minnesota's offense, bringing energy and leadership to the backfield during the 2024 campaign. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images.
This will be a difficult decision. Aaron Jones is a great character and leader, and with Minnesota already potentially losing two of its big leaders in Harrison Smith and C.J. Ham . Losing another will leave a significant leadership void.
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However, now at 31, the veteran back is constantly fighting the injury bug, having missed five games and played through injury. There can't be much tread left on the veteran running back's tires, and while another veteran RB is an option, it is time to bring in a young back to partner with Jordan Mason.
