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Vikings Pull Plug on Disappointing D-Lineman
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- Vikings Pull Plug on Disappointing D-Lineman
Brad Rempel-Imagn Images Brad Rempel-Imagn Images
The Minnesota Vikings already told Aaron Jones and Javon Hargrave they would need to move on this offseason. For a pair of veterans that are on the wrong side of performance, both carry cap numbers that aren't tenable for a team needing to shed salary .
We have heard that Jonathan Greenard is on the trade block , and he too carries a significant number while shockingly wanting more. Interest in Kyler Murray at quarterback is real , but he would cost little more than the league minimum.
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Falling in line with Jones and Hargrave, Jonathan Allen came in last season only to fall short of expectations. Now he is on the chopping block as well.
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Jonathan Allen set to be released by Minnesota Vikings
Last offseason the Minnesota Vikings saw their interior defensive line as a serious problem. They brought in both Hargrave and Allen as options to change that reality. One year later, both are set to be gone.
The Vikings are expected to release DT Jonathan Allen due to salary cap constraints, per sources.
The former Pro Bowler had 68 tackles and 3.5 sacks in 17 starts. The Vikings are $40-plus million over the cap and need to get under, thus the move. pic.twitter.com/kz2W6alkaM— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 4, 2026
The Washington Commanders cut Jonathan Allen last offseason and the MN Vikings tired to revive his career. While he was healthy for all 17 games, the performance really didn't follow. He racked up 68 tackles with 3.5 sacks , but ranked 86th out of 134 interior defensive lineman per Pro Football Focus.
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Allen was better in pass rush (51st) than he was rush defense (102nd), but the overall production left plenty to be desired. The Vikings gave him a three-year contract worth $51 million. rather than waiting through year two, they will absorb $17.3 million as a cap hit rather than carrying his $23.8 million number.
It remains to be seen how Minnesota will rebuild the defensive line for Brian Flores. Jalen Redmond broke out last season, and he was given an exclusive rights tender on Wednesday. That's one key piece to return, but the starting ability and depth needs to go beyond that.
Defensive line now a serious need for MN Vikings
Had the Minnesota Vikings kept both Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen this offseason, their defensive front would have been largely set. With both ushered out, they are now set to be in a world of hurt. Even with Redmond returning, it's a position of need.
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Mock drafts have been all over the place for the Vikings given their positions of need. Caleb Banks was recently projected to Minnesota with the 18th overall pick by Jordan Reid (ESPN) . There are injury concerns there, but Minnesota could integrate him slowly and watch him flourish as needed.
Last season Brian Flores had a defense substantially stretched at the cornerback position . He countered that by focusing on the pass rush. That could be back in 2026 on the edges, but it's hard to see how the interior holds up. The group, as it stands, can't be it. After players being sent out, they'll need to come up with answers.
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