Safe in 2025, Five Veteran Vikings Could Be Entering their MIN Swan Song
If you’re looking for a list of players who may get cut from Minnesota’s 2025 roster, look elsewhere (with the caveat that strange things can happen, such as the Harrison Phillips trade).
All of the veteran Vikings are going to be on the team in the upcoming season. For different reasons, though, all are staring into a murky Minnesota future. The upcoming cap crunch is still a real issue, even with the Phillips subtraction functioning as a bit of a pressure release. So, consider the players who could reasonably be entering their final seasons as Minnesota Vikings.
5 Veteran Vikings Possibly in Final MIN Season
Player #1 — Harrison Smith, Safety
Eventually, age slows down even the best football players. Eventually, age will slow down Harrison Smith.
He’s affectionately known as The Hitman, a moniker that speaks to his hard-hitting ability and soft-spoken nature (are hitmen ever bombastic and loud? Movies suggest that they’re a quiet crew). He’s carrying a cap charge a touch beyond $9.9 million in 2025, a number that’s been brought down due to the presence of void years from 2026-29.
Minnesota could, in theory, keep Mr. Smith around for a bit longer. Maybe just one more year, especially if the team falls painfully short of the ultimate goal: that elusive Super Bowl. Smith, though, is going to be 37 in February of 2026, meaning it’s getting close to time.
Enjoy watching him play in 2025.
Player #2 — C.J. Ham, Fullback
Rugged, versatile, and a great leader, C.J. Ham offers a lot to like.
One wonders if his share of the offense’s snaps will keep growing. The Vikings, after all, are going into a season with a young passer taking over (as you may have heard). Leaning on Mr. Ham for pass protection and to function as a lead blocker for the RB twosome — Aaron Jones alongside Jordan Mason — seems like a decent bet.
Something else to watch for is if the 5’11”, 250-pound thumper catches more passes than normal. Ham doesn’t often shake defenders out of their cleats, but he has reliable mitts and runs hard.
He’s moving into the final year of his deal.
Player #3 — Aaron Jones, Running Back
A great veteran, Aaron Jones is going into his second season as a Viking. His initial deal — one that lasted for a single season and was coming in at $7 million — got bumped up: a two-year pact for a total of $20 million. Not a bad payday for a 30-year-old runner.
Jones hasn’t shown too many signs of slowing down. The former Packer averaged 4.5 yards per carry last season, a career-worst number that nevertheless remains commendably efficient. If, however, things continue going in a downward direction, then Jones could be approached to accept a pay cut or be cut.
Moving on from Aaron Jones next offseason would mean recuperating $7,200,000 in cap space with $6,800,000 hanging back as dead money.
Player #4 — Ivan Pace Jr., Linebacker
Based on talent and impact, Mr. Pace deserves another deal. One wonders if there will be enough nickels and dimes to pull it off, though.
The UDFA has been a massive success story, quickly proving that he should have been drafted (quite high, in fact). Presumably, the linebacker is going to look for a beefy contract as he comes off of his first deal that totalled $2,715,000 in compensation. Very reasonably, Pace should ask for payment that absolutely smashes that number.
The Vikings may want to retain the linebacker, but one wonders if there will be room in the budget. Seeing him moved via trade (he’ll be an RFA) in the ’26 offseason wouldn’t be surprising.
Player #5 — Ryan Kelly, Center
At present, Ryan Kelly is a very good NFL center. There’s not too much reason to believe that’s going to change.
However, the team could cut the veteran for a cap savings of $12,117,500. Sticking around as dead money is … $0. Anytime the finances are so clear, then a consideration at least occurs.
Now, a central factor to consider is that Minnesota is going to still be interested in supporting Mr. McCarthy. If Kelly is the best option to do so, then maybe an extension is the way to go. Adding on more years with an extension has the potential to open up more than $8 million in added cap room for 2026.
Editor’s Note: Information from Pro Football Reference and Over the Cap helped with this piece.
Honorable Mentions: Andrew DePaola, Long Snapper; Brian O’Neill, Right Tackle; Jalen Nailor, Wide Receiver.
