Vikings Trying to Trade Disappointing Defender

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Javon Hargrave, Minnesota Vikings
Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images

This offseason is going to be a busy one for the Minnesota Vikings. Not only do they need to figure out the quarterback position, but they need help all over the roster. And at least for now, they have -$40 million to do it.

With Kwesi Adofo-Mensah out as general manager, longtime Vikings cap guru Rob Brzezinski sits at the top of the executive branch of the organization, working in tandem with head coach Kevin O’Connell to navigate the most important offseason of his MN coaching tenure, to date (which is saying something).

According to recent reports, the Minnesota Vikings could be involved heavily in trade rumors over the next handful of weeks, but the first trade rumor to rise out of the NFL combine in Indianapolis involves disappointing defensive tackle Javon Hargrave.

Javon Hargrave time with MN Vikings may be coming to an end

According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the Vikings have recently been having trade talks with teams around the league surrounding Javon Hargrave, who they signed to a two-year contract last March worth a total of $30 million.

Last offseason the Minnesota Vikings sought a path to revamp their interior defensive line, so they hit NFL free agency on a mission to improve in the trenches, eventually pairing Jonathan Allen with Hargrave for what they hoped would be and ned to their interior DL issues.

Unfortunately, Javon Hargrave’s 10th NFL season did not go as planned. While he started 15 of the 16 games, he recorded only 3.5 sacks and 52 total tackles to go with 4 tackles for loss and 6 QB hits.

Hargrave ranked 35th out of 134 interior defensive lineman in 2025 per Pro Football Focus. He fared better in pass rushing situations, and is very clearly still an NFL caliber commodity.

Vikings could save more if they trade Hargrave

Hargrave’s contract is backloaded, with more than $21 million set to hit the salary cap in 2026. Cutting him would generate a $10.5 million dead cap penalty. If the Vikings release him post June 1, they will save just $500K against the cap for 2026. If they can find a trade partner, however, they would save around $8.5 million.

Spotrac.comCredit: Spotrac

The Minnesota Vikings aren’t just looking to dump Hargrave for nothing. Any trade return shouldn’t expect to be massive, but the cap relief can be used elsewhere. In that vein, keeping Jalen Redmond in the fold is of the utmost importance.

Arguably the most impressive riser on defense last season was Redmond. He is in line for a new contract this season, but his six sacks and 62 tackles make him an exciting emerging talent.

Redmond got sporadic opportunities in 17 games last season due to injuries ahead of him on the depth chart. He made the most of them though, and looked like someone who needs to be on the field a lot more.

Brian Flores can continue to push his defense forward with younger talent, and Hargrave can be used to readjust the Vikings assets.

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