Feb. 17, 2026, 9:49 p.m. CT<\/p>\n
The Minnesota Vikings<\/a> need to have a much stronger free agency period this year than they did in 2025. In part because some of their 2025 additions didn’t pan out as expected, the Vikings will need to get rid of some players first to get cap-compliant for the start of 2026 free agency.<\/p>\n One of the more disappointing signings last year was defensive tackle Javon Hargrave. The veteran lineman signed a two-year, $30 million deal, but was too inconsistent throughout 2026. He played 16 games but only 537 defensive snaps, only 76 more than second-year lineman Levi Drake Rodriguez.<\/p>\n Minnesota currently sits $40.156 million<\/a> over the cap. Although Hargrave still generated a 68.0 PFF grade, he is 33 and could free up a chunk of cap space if the Vikings were to trade him. Says Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report<\/a>:<\/p>\n Javon Hargrave is another trade candidate with serious financial implications to consider. Trading him would release $15 million in cap space. He posted 3.5 sacks last season, but has the reputation as an interior disruptor that teams typically want inside.<\/p>\n Fortunately for Minnesota, younger linemen like Rodriguez and Jalen Redmond outperformed expectations and could help minimize the potential loss of Hargrave. The Vikings could still look to acquire a younger defensive tackle, but losing Hargrave wouldn’t leave them completely empty at the position.<\/p>\n