Javon Hargrave isn’t leaving the Minnesota Vikings without making some noise with a shot at Brian Flores

Javon Hargrave didn’t waste time throwing shade at his soon to be former team

Tyler Forness — NFL & College Football News Writer
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Dec 7, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings nose tackle Javon Hargrave (97) reacts against the Washington Commanders during the second half at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Brad Rempel-Imagn Images

In the world of the NFL, players will end up being cut for reasons beyond their control. The main reason why we see player cuts is due to the salary cap.

The Minnesota Vikings have already determined that three players will be released if they can’t find a trade partner for them: running back Aaron Jones, defensive tackle Javon Hargrave, and defensive tackle Jonathan Allen. With the Vikings set to be more than $45 million over the salary cap, these moves were expected.

Javon Hargrave takes shot at Brian Flores, Minnesota Vikings

One of the reasons why Hargrave is being released is due to his production. He finished with 3.5 sacks and 31 pressures on 295 pass rush reps. Not terrible numbers from an efficiency standpoint, but definitely not what the Vikings were expecting.

It also appears that Hargrave was frustrated with how things went, as he retweeted the tweet below.

It’s quite the statement from Hargrave to voice his displeasure with how things went this past season. Even so, it shouldn’t be a surprise. The Vikings use their defensive line to maximize their blitzers and edge rushers, and it’s been a thing the entire time Flores has been the defensive coordinator.

Hargrave being frustrated is certainly warranted. He was projected to bring home $15 million in cash if he were on the roster next season. Anyone would be frustrated with losing out on that kind of money. It’s especially frustrating for Hargrave after having seven pressures in his first game against the Chicago Bears.

It also shows another example what other free agents are going to deal with in Minnesota, as Flores’ system isn’t going to change that much. It’s not going to be great on the stat sheet, but it’s certainly worth it for impact.

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