Vikings Face Cap Crunch, But There’s a Clear Path Out-Without Cutting a Single Player
The Minnesota Vikings may have missed the playoffs, but their offseason challenge is already in full swing-and it’s got nothing to do with on-field performance. Right now, the front office is staring down a brutal financial reality: the team is nearly $48 million over the salary cap, the second-worst cap situation in the NFL.
But here’s the twist: Minnesota might not need to cut a single player to get back on track. Thanks to some strategic contract restructuring options, the Vikings can clear the vast majority of that deficit-over $45 million-by tweaking just four deals.
It’s not magic. It’s cap gymnastics, and Executive VP of Football Operations Rob Brzezinski has been through this routine before.
Let’s break it down.
The Big Ticket: Justin Jefferson
Start with the obvious: Justin Jefferson. The Vikings’ All-Pro wideout is the face of the franchise and, barring something truly unexpected, will be in purple and gold for years to come. Restructuring Jefferson’s contract alone could free up a massive $18 million in cap space.
And this isn’t about taking money away-it’s about converting base salary into bonuses, which spreads the cap hit over future years. For a player like Jefferson, who’s not going anywhere, this is a no-brainer. It’s the kind of move teams make when they know they’ve got a foundational piece locked in.
Christian Darrisaw: High Ceiling, Health Questions
Next on the list is left tackle Christian Darrisaw. A restructure here could save another $9 million.
Darrisaw has the talent to be a long-term anchor on the offensive line, but injuries have been a real concern. After tearing his ACL and MCL in 2024, he dealt with more knee issues late last season and was ultimately shut down again.
That’s 17 missed games over the past two years.
Still, he’s just 26 and when healthy, he’s one of the better young tackles in the league. The Vikings are betting on his recovery-and a restructure signals that they still view him as a key piece moving forward.
T.J. Hockenson: Cut or Keep?
Here’s where it gets interesting. Tight end T.J.
Hockenson presents a financial fork in the road. Whether the Vikings cut him or restructure his contract, the savings are the same: $9 million.
The question isn’t about the money-it’s about the player.
Hockenson, who turns 29 this summer, hasn’t quite lived up to expectations the past couple seasons. Some of that’s tied to inconsistent quarterback play, but his production has dipped nonetheless.
If the Vikings believe he can bounce back with more stability under center, a restructure makes sense. If not, they may decide to move on.
This one could go either way.
Will Fries: Quiet Value, Big Savings
Rounding out the list is guard Will Fries, whose contract could be restructured to save-yep, you guessed it-another $9 million. While he may not be a household name, Fries has quietly become a reliable presence on the interior line. If Minnesota wants to keep continuity up front, this is a logical move that clears significant space.
The Bottom Line
Add it all up, and the Vikings could clear over $45 million in cap space without cutting a single player. That doesn’t mean they won’t explore additional moves-some cuts are likely coming-but it does mean there’s a clear, manageable path to cap compliance without blowing up the roster.
Brzezinski and the front office have some tough decisions ahead, especially when it comes to players like Hockenson. But the good news for Vikings fans?
This cap mess isn’t as dire as it looks. With a few smart restructures, Minnesota can get back to even-and maybe even start building toward something bigger in 2026.