It's that time of the offseason where NFL teams have to make difficult decisions regarding next year's cap — and the Minnesota Vikings are definitely feeling some of that pressure.
After going all-in in support of J.J. McCarthy last year only to finish 9-8 and watch their previous QB win the Super Bowl, the Vikings are projected to be $43 million over the 2026 cap and all teams need to be under the brand new $301.2 million limit within the next 10 days.
That means that at least two key veterans from Minnesota's 2025 roster will be gone before the end of the month, per ESPN's Adam Schefter — including the team's second-leading rusher.
Minnesota Vikings to trade or cut 2 big-name players in March
According to the NFL insider: "The Minnesota Vikings have begun whittling down their salary cap deficit by informing veteran running back Aaron Jones Sr. and defensive tackle Javon Hargrave that they will be released later this month barring a trade."
The moves will reportedly save the team $18.65 million in cap space after back-to-back years of heavy free agent spending. Other players that could end up being cap casualties are two-time Pro Bowl DT Jonathan Allen and center Ryan Kelly.
While superstar receiver Justin Jefferson and tight end T.J. Hockenson could be in line for contract extensions or contract restructures in order to make the numbers work.
Vikings considering adding to QB competition this offseason
Elsewhere in Vikingland, the organization has reportedly shown interest in bringing in a more proven QB to compete with J.J. McCarthy following last year's struggles.
With Dan Graziano and Jeremy Fowler reporting: "I've [heard] that the Vikings are considering Murray and Smith as they outline their veteran quarterback plan. Tua Tagovailoa and [Kirk] Cousins are also on their radar. Some I've talked to are breaking those four into two tiers, with Murray and Smith in the first group."
"The expectation leaguewide is that a combination of Murray, Smith and Tagovailoa — and possibly all three — will be free agents soon enough, barring intensified trade talks. And many quarterbacks view Minnesota as an attractive destination."
A quarterback could certainly do worse than being coached by Kevin O'Connell and throwing to Justin Jefferson.
We'll see if the Vikings see the jump they need out of J.J. in Year 2 as a starter of if they decide bring in some veteran reinforcements.