Hargrave signed a two‑year, $30 million deal in 2025 but was inconsistent in 2026, recording 3.5 sacks and a 68.0 PFF grade while playing only 537 defensive snaps. With the Vikings $40 million over the cap, a trade would release $15 million and give the team breathing room for 2026 free agency.
If a deal falls through, Minnesota could restructure Hargrave’s contract or rely on younger linemen like Levi Drake Rodriguez and Jalen Redmond, who outperformed expectations, to maintain interior pressure.