March 2, 2026, 9:01 a.m. CT

The Green Bay Packers aren’t usually in the market for old running backs or old defensive tackles, but the Minnesota Vikings are expected to release a pair of intriguing options with ties to the Packers in the coming weeks.

Per Adam Schefter of ESPN, the Vikings will release running back Aaron Jones and defensive tackle Javon Hargrave later this month if the team cannot find a trade. Given the ages and contracts of the two players, a release is far more likely than a trade. Expect Jones and Hargrave to become available as street free agents.

Jones, who is now 31, spent his first seven seasons in Green Bay (2017-23) before the Packers transitioned to Josh Jacobs at running back before the 2024 season. Jones played the last two seasons in Minnesota, producing 2,293 total yards and scoring 10 touchdowns. But like most aging running backs, Jones missed time (5 games) with injuries and set career-lows in yards per attempt (4.2) and yards per touch (4.7) in 2025.

While the Packers may need help behind Jacobs for 2026, a reunion with Jones is unlikely and borders on a zero percent chance of happening given his age and recent production. He likely doesn’t forget that the Packers wanted him to take a steep pay cut before quickly shifting gears to Jacobs two years ago.

Hargrave, however, could be a different story. The former Eagle is 33 years old, and he created only 4.5 sacks and seven quarterback hits over the last two seasons. The gas tank might be hitting empty for the two-time Pro Bowler. But it’s worth noting how productive and disruptive Hargrave was while playing for new Packers defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon in Philadelphia.

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In 2021, Hargrave created 63 pressures, 7.5 sacks, a career-high 18 quarterback hits and a career-best 91.6 pass-rush grade at Pro Football Focus. A year later, he had a career-high 66 pressures, a career-high 11.0 sacks, 16 quarterback hits and a 91.1 pass-rush grade. For a two-year stretch under Gannon, Hargrave was one of the most disruptive interior defenders in football.

Last season with Minnesota, Hargrave managed 31 pressures and 20 stops across 537, per PFF, and he earned a respectable 70.0 pass-rush grade — so there might be something left as a rotational player.

Could the Packers have interest in Hargrave as a part-time or rotational player as a three-technique behind Devonte Wyatt, who has been injured each of the last two seasons? Playing for Gannon again could be appealing, and the Packers need better depth in the interior of the defensive line. Hargrave is a potential option should the Packers want an experienced disruptor who might not cost a ton as an older free agent likely to sign a one-year deal.

Helping matters is that both Jones and Hargrave will likely be released, and neither would count against the Packers’ compensatory picks in 2027.

For the Packers, cuts around the NFL are worth monitoring for this very reason. The comp picks coming next offseason are valuable, and the Packers can avoid hurting the value of those picks by targeting players released by teams.