The official NFL league year kicked off on Wednesday with roster moves becoming official this offseason. That includes in Minnesota, where there was a big roster move - but probably not the news most fans were thinking. Yet.
Running back Aaron Jones is staying put.
The team initially planned to cut ties with Jones, but instead have brought him back on a restructured contract.
His new deal lowers his base salary to $5.6 million instead of what was a $9 million base. In order to do that, the team guaranteed $5 million of the deal, instead of what was a guarantee of $2 million.
The upcoming season will be Jones' third with Minnesota.
Also on Wednesday, two free agent defensive tackles the team signed last offseason were released. Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave will now become unrestricted free agents, and those moves save the team millions in cap space.
Meanwhile, all eyes are still on the quarterback position. The Vikings haven't make it a secret they're exploring all options after second year QB J.J. McCarthy struggled in 2025, and struggled to stay healthy.
The Arizona Cardinals, as expected, released QB Kyler Murray and will eat an incredible $36.8 million in salary this year. That means Murray can sign for the veteran minimum of $1.3 million this year, and most NFL insiders expect Minnesota not only to be interested in bringing Murry in, but expect them to be the clear favorite.
Also of interest to Viking fans, the Atlanta Falcons officially have released QB Kirk Cousins after two seasons, and he will become a free agent. Cousins already is owed $10 million from the Falcons for this upcoming season.
Should a Murray deal fall through, the Vikings may look to their longtime starter as insurance.
Also Wednesday, the Cardinals released QB Kyler Murray and NFL insiders expect him to sign with the Vikings
