Teams around the NFL are bracing for movement with free agency set to begin in less than two weeks. The NFC North won't be an exception to the upcoming free-agent frenzy, and soon-to-be discarded Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Javon Hargrave could be the Chicago Bears' treasure.
On Sunday, ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter reported that the Vikings "informed" Hargrave and running back Aaron Jones that "they will be released at the official start of the league year" on Mar. 11 unless they're traded before then.
"Jones' release will save the Vikings $7.75 milliion against the cap, Hargrave's $10.9 million," Schefter wrote on X.
For a Bears team that could have some significant upheaval along the interior defensive line this offseason, Hargave may be a valuable addition.
Javon Hargrave Could Be in Bears' Free Agency Crosshairs After Vikings Release
The Bears have several questions up front along the line of scrimmage on defense. Veteran Andrew Billings, who started 14 games last season, playing 552 snaps (including postseason), and rotational interior lineman Chris Williams (238 snaps) are set to become unrestricted free agents.
Additionally, NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported last week that teams have inquired about Gervon Dexter's availability. The productive pass-rusher played 773 defensive snaps, the team's most among interior linemen, a season ago, and is set to play on an expiring contract in 2026. He's also one of the league's least impactful interior run defenders, producing the sixth-lowest stop-rate (4.4%) on rushing plays, per Pro Football Focus, which may give the Bears pause in handing him an extension.
Grady Jarrett is the only defensive tackle who played meaningful snaps for the Bears in 2025 that's a safe bet to return, with Chicago owing the 11-year veteran $13 million guaranteed. But after a rocky first season in the Windy City, producing a career-low 6.1% pressure rate, according to Sports Info Solutions, the Bears need reliable depth.
Hargrave, 33, signed a back-loaded two-year, $30 million contract ($17 million guaranteed) with the Vikings last offseason. After holding a friendly $8,458,382 cap number in 2025, Hargrave's number was to grow to $21,453,382 this upcoming season.
By releasing him, Minnesota will only be on the hook for $4 million in guaranteed salary and $6.497M in prorated signing bonus money, a significantly lower amount than his cap charge.
Entering his 11th season, the Bears could likely get him for a discount. Last season, Hargrave played 53% of his available defensive snaps after returning from a 2024 season-ending partially torn triceps, his lowest rate since 2018. He finished the season with 52 tackles (four for loss), 3.5 sacks, and a fumble recovery in 16 games.
Hargrave's pending release — as long as another team doesn't trade for him — gives the Bears an intriguing option as they look to revamp the defensive line. While they've constantly sparred with the Vikings as divisional rivals, this offseason, Minnesota could hand Chicago a key assist.