Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones is scheduled to carry the third-highest cap hit among all NFL running backs next season, a bill the Vikings are questionable to front.
The Athletic’s Alec Lewis appraised the Vikings’ cap situation, which will force the team to part ways with several pricey veterans. Minnesota is currently $46 million over the cap, and Jones is due $14.8 million next season.
Lewis said that Jones and tight end T.J. Hockenson‘s current deals will be subject to conversation in the front office approaching free agency on March 11.
“Aaron Jones and tight end T.J. Hockenson are also expected to be the subjects of meaningful internal conversations,” Lewis wrote. “Separating from them would free up about $17 million more in cap space.”
Aaron Jones Could Come Back, But Not at His Current Price
The emergence of Jordan Mason doesn’t help Jones’ case for leaving his contract untouched.
Jones missed six games (including a meaningless season finale) due to injury as he continues to decline from his prime at the age of 31. Jones proved he still has plenty to offer in the passing game, but Mason averaged more yards per carry (4.8) than Jones this season (4.2).
Jones is slated to be paid like a premier bellcow next season, but his role going forward is more fitting of a timeshare. If he agreed to a restructured contract or a new deal, it wouldn’t be difficult to see him staying in Minnesota. The former Green Bay Packers running back has taken a liking to the Vikings organization and is a glue guy in the locker room.
However, Jones could just sit pat and let the Vikings cut him and collect $6.8 million. Minnesota would save $8 million for the 2026 league year, and Jones could move on and sign a potentially lucrative one-year deal elsewhere.
If conversations lean toward a restructure, it will be a test of the culture and optimism for the organization moving forward by convincing a team leader like Jones to stay.
How Can the Vikings Get Under the Cap?
After signing two-year deals with an out after one season, Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen are likely roster cut candidates. Cutting Hargrave and Allen would save $11 million and $4.2 million, respectively.
Starting center Ryan Kelly‘s future is unclear after suffering several concussions this season. He played just eight games this season and has just $3.4 million guaranteed next season. His release would save $8.8 million in cap space.
A Brian O’Neill extension is likely in the docket this offseason. O’Neill has a $23.2 million cap hit for the 2026 season that can be ironed out over multiple seasons as he continues to play at a high level.
Blake Cashman is another candidate for an extension with his contract set to expire after the 2026 season.
The following players could also have their base salaries converted into signing bonuses to create immediate cap space, according to Lewis: receiver Justin Jefferson, edge rusher Jonathan Greenard, edge rusher Andrew Van Ginkel, cornerback Byron Murphy Jr., tight end Josh Oliver, left tackle Christian Darrisaw and right guard Will Fries.
Vikings’ Aaron Jones Gets Bad News Amid Roster Concerns