According to wide-spread reports, the Minnesota Vikings are set to release defensive tackle Jonathan Allen in a move to clear space. After making more than $300 million in salary cap commitments during the 2025 offseason, the Vikings are obligated to clear more than $40 million in space by the start of the 2026 league year, an to do this, they need to backtrack some of the moves made last year.
Signing Allen turned into an expensive one-year investment for Minnesota.
The Vikings signed him as a free agent in March 2025. He earned $16.2 million during the season while playing in all 17 games. Allen finished the year with 68 tackles and 3.5 sacks.
Allen also carries $8 million in fully guaranteed money for 2026. That amount could drop if another team signs him.
If the Vikings release him, they will save about $6.53 million in cap space. However, the team will also take on $17.33 million in dead money for the 2026 season.
Minnesota will also receive a $1.5 million cap credit after the season. The credit comes from incentives currently on the 2026 cap because Allen achieved them in 2025, according to the Star Tribune.
Other Possible Vikings Releases
Allen may not be the only veteran leaving Minnesota.
Reports suggest the Vikings could also release defensive tackle Javon Hargrave and running back Aaron Jones Sr. before the new league week begins.
If the team moves on from all three players, Minnesota would save about $25.2 million in cap space. The decision would also help the Vikings avoid roughly $40 million in future payments.
More Roster Moves Could Follow
The Vikings may not stop there.
Before free agency opens next week, more players could leave the roster. The team has reportedly shown interest in trading outside linebacker Jonathan Greenard if both sides cannot agree on a restructured contract.
Center Ryan Kelly also faces an uncertain future after missing nine games last season because of concussions.
Moving on from both players would add $34.2 million to the 2026 salary cap while bringing the Vikings $27.7 million in cash savings.
