sports

Vikings Eye Trade for Javon Hargrave to Free Cap Space

The Vikings are weighing a trade for veteran DL Javon Hargrave to free $15M in cap space after a 3.5‑sack, inconsistent 2026 season.

Hargrave signed a two‑year, $30M deal in 2025 but played only 537 defensive snaps in 2026, 76 more than rookie Levi Drake Rodriguez. Despite a 68.0 PFF grade, the 33‑year‑old was inconsistent and the Vikings are $40.156M over cap.

A trade would release $15M in cap space and could allow the Vikings to acquire a younger tackle, while younger linemen like Rodriguez and Jalen Redmond have outperformed expectations. If a deal falls through, the team could restructure Hargrave’s contract for a potential rebound under coach Brian Flores.