Sep 8, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Jonathan Greenard (58) looks on during the second half against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images.
One of the big decisions facing Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah this offseason was what to do at the edge defender position. It’s time to look at the results of those decisions with a Jonathan Greenard and Danielle Hunter Midseason Comparison. That big move set the table for an almost complete revamp of the position.
Hunter had become a fan favorite over eight seasons (with the 2020 season completely lost to injury). During his final season in Minnesota, he moved past Jared Allen into third place among the Vikings’ all-time sack leaders. His 87.5 sacks as a Vikings trail only John Randle and Chris Doleman. Letting a player like that leave comes with risk and will have its doubters, but the circumstances the Vikings were in made it the smart move.
Minnesota got younger and cheaper at the position by signing Greenard to a four-year contract worth $19 million annually. Hunter agreed to a two-year contract worth $24.5 million per year. The moves made sense with the Vikings entering a rebuilding year and the Texans looking to build on C.J. Stroud’s rookie campaign and become serious contenders in the AFC. The moves are working out for both teams, as both men have had an immediate impact.
In a strange twist of fate, both players have almost exactly the same ranking from Pro Football Focus, suggesting that, at least in their opinion, Greenard and Hunter are performing at the same level this season. Greenard is graded at 83.3, and Hunter at 83.5. Both players have pass-rushing grades of 81, while Greenard has a higher run-blocking grade — 77.5 compared to 67.5.
Other stats put forward via PFF continue to tell the story of two very good players playing at a similarly high level. Greenard has seven sacks compared to 6 for Hunter. He is tied for third in total pressures with 48, while Hunter is seventh with 42. Greenard has 20 run stops with 8 tackles for loss, while Hunter has 18 with 7 tackles for loss. To round out the starts, Greenard has 26 tackles, 1 forced fumble, and 2 pass deflections, while Hunter has 27 tackles, 1 forced fumble, and 2 pass deflections. The stats are almost a mirror image all around.
Those similar stats tell you that Minnesota made the right decision. They got the younger player who will be around longer and for a cheaper price — at least for now. The savings made for half of the salary of Andrew Van Ginkel, whom the Vikings signed to partner Greenard on the edge. Van Ginkel has also been playing good football in Minnesota, giving even more of an edge to the Vikings’ decision.
The best news for Minnesota is that this should be the start of a long run for Greenard. His current contract ends after the 2027 season when he will be 30. If he’s still playing at this level, another couple of years could be added to that. The next quarterback Greenard can go hunting is Will Levis when the Vikings take on the Tennessee Titans this weekend.