With more than $42 million over the cap, Minnesota has several routes to cap compliance over the next three weeks, all of which could require trimming quality starters. One prominent option would be to cut right tackle Brian O’Neill to save nearly $20 million, but that would eliminate a cornerstone of the Vikings’ offensive line after a strong 2025 season.
Hargrave, who signed a two-year, $30 million deal last offseason, has endured an injury-plagued run and posted just 3.5 sacks in 2025, following a productive but uneven 2024. The veteran DT started 15 games last year, showing occasional bursts of impact but lacking consistent production.
Reports indicate Minnesota has begun trade discussions with multiple teams to move Hargrave, a development the team has weighed against its overall cap strategy. Analysts have noted that trading Hargrave could net draft capital while also providing an additional cap relief of roughly $4 million in the current year, though finding a taker willing to absorb his $14.2 million 2026 base salary remains a challenge for a 33-year-old defender nearing the end of his prime.
The broader context is that several around the league expected Minnesota to consider restructuring or moving Hargrave, given the Vikings’ cap position and the fit considerations under defensive coordinator Brian Flores. If a trade does not materialize, the Vikings may still revisit other avenues to reach compliance, which could impact both their defensive line rotation and overall depth on both sides of the ball.
