Vikings Free Agent Class Goes Up in Flames
Kwesi Adofo-Mensah did not leave the Minnesota Vikings in late January with a stellar track record, and his reputation took yet another hit on Wednesday night, as the team will reportedly release defensive tackle Jonathan Allen. And that’s in addition to Allen’s DT counterpart, Javon Hargrave, on his way out as well.
Minnesota may lose both DT signings, forcing a quick pivot to the draft and the next wave of veterans.
The Vikings will hand the bulk of DT snaps to different players in 2026. Adofo-Mensah’s 2026 free-agent class is going up in flames.
The Allen Decision Signals Vikings’ Plan to Redo Everything at DT
The hits just keep on comin’.
Vikings to Cut Allen
Allen, as a cap casualty, is basically a done deal.
ESPN’s Kevin Seifert wrote, “The Minnesota Vikings are expected to release defensive tackle Jonathan Allen in the coming days as they continue to whittle down their salary cap deficit and reduce their cash commitments, sources told ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler on Wednesday.”
“Allen was an expensive one-year investment for the Vikings, who signed him as a free agent in March 2025. Allen earned $16.2 million last season, during which he played in all 17 games and finished with 68 tackles and 3.5 sacks. He also has $8 million in full guarantees for 2026, which would be partially offset if he signs with another team. The move will save the Vikings $6.5 million against their 2026 cap.”
Once upon a time, about a year ago, Allen was theorized as Minnesota’s fancy solution at defensive tackle. While Allen didn’t play terribly, the experiment largely flopped.
Hargrave before That
Before Allen, the who’s who of NFL reporting said last week that Hargrave will leave the organization if it cannot finagle a trade.
In 2025, Hargrave played in 16 games, participating in 537 defensive snaps (53%). He recorded 52 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 6 quarterback hits, 4 tackles for loss, one forced fumble, and 31 pressures. Although his 31 pressures ranked 34th among defensive tackles, the statistic indicates consistent involvement despite not being a truly dominant interior force.
His performance grades reflect this assessment. Pro Football Focus gave Hargrave a 70.0 pass-rushing grade and a 57.3 run-defense grade, ranking him 35th among interior defenders for the season. While his pass-rushing ability flashed at times, his run defense lacked consistency.
Like Allen, he’s on his way out, and the Vikings’ stop lasted a single season.
The Immediate Future at DT
After Jalen Redmond, one of Minnesota’s top defensive players last season, finalizes a new deal with the Vikings this offseason and secures an expected starting role, several players will compete for increased playing time behind him. Levi Drake Rodriguez has shown noticeable improvement as a run defender and could compete for a starting position next season.
Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins gained valuable experience as a rookie. Undrafted free agent Elijah Williams impressed the coaching staff during training camp and the preseason. The team also signed UFLer Jaylon Hutchings in January.
Our Kyle Joudry noted Wednesday, “The Vikings appear ready to lean into a youth movement. Most prominently, there’s the status of Jalen Redmond. He’s a fantastic player, proving to be difficult to corral when rushing the passer and when shutting down the run.”
“Most notable and obvious is his athleticism, but consider that he must have a work ethic, compete, and resilience. Going the way of undrafted free agency, the UFL, and then to the Vikings’ roster (where he was cut before breaking out) is impressive.”
The draft could also provide additional talent; Minnesota is well-positioned to select an interior lineman early if it chooses to bolster the position. Prospects like Peter Woods (Clemson), Caleb Banks (Florida), Kayden McDonald (Ohio State), Lee Hunter (Texas Tech), and Christen Miller (Georgia) are among the defensive tackles expected to draw attention in the first couple of rounds.
Free agency presents another avenue. Veteran interior defenders such as John Franklin-Myers, Levi Onwuzurike, and D.J. Reader are expected to be available when the market opens next week, offering Minnesota multiple options to strengthen the DT spot.
Money Saved vs. Money in Dead Cap
If the Vikings date the releases of Allen and Hargrave with a post-June 1st designation, they’ll save about $22 million in salary cap while eating a $23 million dead cap hit. Financially, in the long-term scheme of things, it’s a wash. Pragmatically, the $22 million would allow the club to sign a few new players.
Minnesota clearly endorses a path without the two DTs because keeping them aboard, not being socked with the $23 million dead cap hit, would make more sense.
The Vikings either love their existing, somewhat under-the-radar DT depth — or a fancy new DT, probably from the draft, is on the way.
Allen and Hargrave should have no problem finding new employers for 2026; they’re decent defenders.
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