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ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the Minnesota Vikings plan to release veteran defensive lineman Javon Hargrave before free agency begins.
Defensive lineman Javon Hargrave signed a 2-year, $30 million contract to join the Minnesota Vikings. He isn’t going to receive an opportunity to finish that deal.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Sunday the Vikings told Hargrave they plan to release him before March 11. Minnesota also notified running back Aaron Jones that they have the same plan with him.
If the Vikings can’t trade either player, they will be released. Minnesota will save nearly $11 million parting ways with Hargrave.
“Sources: Vikings have informed running back Aaron Jones and defensive tackle Javon Hargrave that, barring a trade, they will be released at the start of the league year this month,” wrote Schefter on X.
“Jones’ release will save the Vikings $7.75 million against the cap, Hargrave’s $10.9 million.”
Hargrave started 15 of 16 contests for the Vikings this past season. He posted 52 combined tackles, including four tackles for loss. Hargrave also had six quarterback hits, 3.5 sacks and one forced fumble.
Over the course of his 10-year career, Hargrave has made about $98.4 million according to Spotrac.
Vikings Set to Clear Cap Space With Javon Hargrave Release: Report
Minnesota’s plan to release Hargrave isn’t super shocking. Weeks before his release, some pundits had actually already begun speculating where he could land in free agency.
Hargrave has played for three other teams in his career. It’s possible one of those clubs could be a landing spot.
The Pittsburgh Steelers selected the defensive tackle at No. 89 overall in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft. After four seasons with the Steelers, Hargrave signed a 3-year, $39 million agreement with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Hargrave made his first Pro Bowl with the Eagles during 2021. He posted 63 combined tackles, including nine tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks.
In 2022, he set a new career-highs of 11 sacks and 10 tackles for loss.
Following that season, Hargrave cashed in another with a 4-year, $84 million contract. In 2023 with the San Francisco 49ers, he made his second Pro Bowl with another 7-sack season.
However, in 2024, Hargrave suffered a torn right triceps in Week 3. That sidelined him for the rest of the season and led to his release. Hargrave landed on his feet, though, with another nice deal with the Vikings.
In 146 games, Hargrave has registered 49 sacks and 59 tackles for loss. He also has eight pass defenses and five forced fumbles.
Dave Holcomb is a sports reporter covering the NFL and MLB for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Pittsburgh Steelers, Philadelphia Eagles and Detroit Lions. Originally from Pittsburgh, Holcomb has covered college and professional sports for outlets including FanSided, Rotowire and Yardbarker. More about Dave Holcomb
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