The Minnesota Vikings are expected to release defensive tackle Jonathan Allen in the coming days as part of their aggressive salary cap management strategy, sources told ESPN. Allen, who signed a one-year, $16.2 million contract last March, played in all 17 games during the 2025 season, recording 68 tackles and 3.5 sacks.

Allen's release will save the Vikings $6.5 million against their 2026 salary cap while freeing them from his $8 million in full guarantees for next season. This move is part of a broader roster purge following Minnesota's disappointing 4-8 start that eliminated them from playoff contention despite spending nearly $350 million to build around quarterback J.J. McCarthy.

Allen joins defensive tackle Javon Hargrave and running back Aaron Jones Sr. as high-profile players the Vikings have indicated they'll release before the new league year begins next week. These three moves combined will save Minnesota $25.2 million against the cap and eliminate roughly $40 million in cash obligations. The Vikings are also exploring trading outside linebacker Jonathan Greenard and face uncertainty with center Ryan Kelly, whose status is in doubt after missing nine games due to three concussions.