Minnesota Vikings take necessary step with superstars Justin Jefferson and Christian Darrisaw, while more work is still needed

The inevitable has happened with Justin Jefferson and Christian Darrisaw.

Tyler Forness — NFL & College Football News Writer
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Jan 4, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) celebrates after a play in front of Green Bay Packers safety Evan Williams (33) during the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

The Minnesota Vikings have needed to make a bevy of moves to get under the salary cap. They are already planning on releasing or trading running back Aaron Jones, defensive tackle Javon Hargrave, and defensive tackle Jonathan Allen. Plus, there are rumors about the Vikings potentially trading edge rusher Jonathan Greenard.

On Friday morning, news broke that the Vikings performed simple restructures on wide receiver Justin Jefferson and Christian Darrisaw to save around $27 million on the salary cap.

Minnesota Vikings restructure Justin Jefferson and Christian Darrisaw

It’s a big amount of money that the Vikings will have to pay both Jefferson and Darrisaw, as they were owed base salaries of $24.99 milllion (Jefferson) and $13,291,929 (Darrisaw) this upcoming season. One of the common themes with the Vikings this offseason has been that they don’t want to spend a lot of money. Not cap space, but cash.

How is this different? Well, Jefferson and Darrisaw are building blocks of this roster, and will be making that money regardless of when it’s going to be paid. The Vikings have that fluid capital now, so they make it happen so they can get under the salary cap.

With those moves, along with the projected cuts, the Vikings will have saved approximately $51.54 million, which gives them around $5 million of cap space. Before they sign other players, the Vikings will still need to make some more moves, as they will need to enter the NFL Draft with at least $15 million in salary cap space for their draft picks, practice squad, and in-season signings.

Keep an eye on multiple players, including the aforementioned Greenard, tight end T.J. Hockenson, edge rusher Andrew Van Ginkel, and right tackle Brian O’Neill, for moves that could come in the future.

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