NFL.com Identifies 2 More Vikings Cut Candidates
The Athletic recently identified Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Javon Hargrave as the club’s most logical cut candidate with free agency less than three weeks away. NFL.com came along this week, naming Hargrave for the roster cut fate — plus running back Aaron Jones and tight end T.J. Hockenson.
Jones and Hockenson bring real value, yet their cap numbers make them logical options if the Vikings choose flexibility over continuity this spring.
Minnesota’s would-be roster purge could begin at any minute, and fans should know that Jones and Hockenson could be on the chopping block.
Two More Vikings Cut Candidates Enter the Picture
It’s roster cut season for the Vikings and 31 other teams.
NFL.com: Jones Is a Cut Candidate
Matt Okada of NFL.com found over 15 NFC players who could be chopped soon, and Jones got the unfortunate label.
He explained, “I labeled Jones as a cut candidate two years ago. And while he was very good in his first year in Minnesota, the veteran running back struggled a bit in 2025, posting a career-low 4.9 yards per touch and scoring three touchdowns in 12 games.”
“He also averaged just 2.8 yards after contact per carry and a 9.1% explosive run rate (also career lows). Jones turned 31 in December and has always thrived on his explosiveness, an area in which a downturn is expected with aging backs. Cutting him frees up $6.8 million in cap space for a team currently $40.1 million in the red. This feels like a bit of a no-brainer.”
The Jones theory isn’t out of left field; fans have expected his roster release for a couple of months, mainly due to Jones’s advanced running back age. He’ll turn 32 next season.
Hockenson, Too
In addition to Jones and Hargrave, Hockenson was named as a cut candidate. He’s the team’s TE1 for four seasons running.
Okada wrote, “Hockenson totaled 155 catches, 1,479 yards and eight touchdowns over 25 games with the Vikings in 2022 and 2023, playing at or near the level that earned him two Pro Bowl selections in Detroit. Unfortunately, over his 25 games since the start of 2024, the veteran tight end has totaled just 92 catches for 893 yards and three touchdowns.”
“Those numbers all fall short of his 2023 production alone. So, while the four-year, $66 million extension he signed just before 2023 initially seemed like a score for the front office, it’s since become a burden.”
The Vikings used Hockenson as a blocking tight end in 2025, making him look inept as a pass-catcher, especially with generally poor quarterback play from J.J. McCarthy, Max Brosmer, and, to an extent, Carson Wentz. That obviously did his pass-catching talents no justice.
Okada continued, “Hockenson carries a $21.3 million cap hit in 2026 — highest at his position across the league and and Minnesota can save $8.9 million by releasing him before June 1 or $16 million if it makes him a post-June 1 cut.”
“Both options are viable, but keeping him on the payroll with an already troubling cap situation and declining production is not ideal.”
Life without Jones?
If the Vikings make good on Okada’s recommendation for Jones, Minnesota will almost certainly need a different running back — probably a younger one. Jordan Mason could arguably fill the RB1 indefinitely, but the Vikings haven’t featured a true bellcow, game-changing running back since 2021. His name was Dalvin Cook.
From free agency, the free-agent RB options look like this:
- Breece Hall
- Travis Etienne
- Kenneth Walker
- Javonte Williams
And if the draft is the choice:
- Kaytron Allen (Penn State)
- Jonah Coleman (Washington)
- Emmett Johnson (Nebraska)
- Jeremiyah Love (Notre Dame)
- Jadarian Price (Notre Dame)
- Nick Singleton (Penn State)
- Mike Washington (Arkansas)
Love is the true prize from the 2026 class, but he’ll likely fly off the board in the first 12 picks.
Life without Hockenson?
And the same setup for Hockenson — Minnesota would need a TE1 from free agency or the draft if it doesn’t trust Josh Oliver with TE1 duties. The free agent market might provide these options:
- Tyler Conklin
- Kyle Granson
- Noah Fant
- Tyler Higbee
- Austin Hooper
- Dallas Goedert
- Isaiah Likely
- David Njoku
- Chig Okonkwo
- Cade Otton
- Kyle Pitts
- Jake Tonges
And from April’s draft:
- Kenyon Sadiq (Oregon, R1)
- Max Klare (Ohio State, R3)
- Joe Royer (Cincinnati, R3)
- Michael Trigg (Baylor, R4)
- Eli Stowers (Vanderbilt, R4)
- Jamari Johnson (Oregon, R4)
- Oscar Delp (Georgia, R4)
It’s also worth noting that rookie tight ends often aren’t thrust into starting duty right away in the NFL, particularly non-1st-Rounders. Sadiq may be ready, but the other would need time to adjust.
Other Vikings cut candidates might include center Ryan Kelly and defensive tackle Jonathan Allen. Kelly could also retire.
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