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Latest Vikings Move Opens Possibility of More than $27M in Cap Space
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- Latest Vikings Move Opens Possibility of More than $27M in Cap Space
Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
For a little while, the recent Vikings move has been anticipated. Why not restructure Justin Jefferson ? He is, after all, the franchise's cornerstone player.
What's similarly of note is that LT1 Christian Darrisaw has been included, as well .
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Consider the update that arrives courtesy of Tom Pelissero of The NFL Network : "The Vikings are doing simple restructures on the contracts of star WR Justin Jefferson and LT Christian Darrisaw to clear salary cap space, per sources. Still work to do to get under the cap by Wednesday."
Vikings Move Could Clear $27M
Lately, a pile of options have been on the table to get the finances sorted out for 2026 .
Consider, for instance, what is already known. Veteran DTs Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen are being shown the door a year after signing reasonably pricey deals. Likewise, veteran runner Aaron Jones is going to be cut unless there's an 11th hour trade partner. Starting edge rusher Jonathan Greenard is being mentioned as a trade option, too.
Minnesota Vikings linebacker Jonathan Greenard celebrates after sacking Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud during the third quarter on Sep. 22, 2024, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, delivering a momentum-shifting defensive play that ignited the home crowd and highlighted his role in disrupting Houston's offensive rhythm in the Week 3 showdown. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images.
Those who are keeping score at home will note that the money saving moves have been for cuts and trades. It's now time for restructures.
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Essentially, the Vikings will shuffle money around, pushing some of the compensation for the high-end WR and high-end LT into the future. Short-term gain, long-term pain. Classic NFL move.
Per Over the Cap , the Vikings can clear north of $18 million via restructure with Jefferson. For Darrisaw, it's more than $9 million. Combined, that's a potential savings in 2026 sitting at $27 million. Not bad, right?
Add that total onto the cuts that haven't occurred yet: Allen, Hargrave, and Jones. Using easy-to-digest numbers that round down means the Vikings will liberate $25 million in room.
Nov 6, 2022; Landover, Maryland, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Washington Commanders during the first half at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
The outlook in recent days had the Vikings at about $45 million over the cap (tip of the cap to the website). The expected cuts alongside the restructures could clear around $52 million, meaning Minnesota could be out of the red.
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Worth remembering, as well, that TE1 T.J. Hockenson , RT1 Brian O'Neill, C1 Ryan Kelly, and several others are likely to see their deals adjusted somehow. For Hockenson, the best path is a restructure ; for O'Neill, the best path is an extension ; for Kelly, the likeliest path appears to be a cut .
Look for the Vikings to have somewhere around $25 million in open cap space to navigate free agency next week.
