Is This the End of Jonathan Greenard for Vikings?
On Monday, following the Minnesota Vikings’ victory over the Dallas Cowboys, head coach Kevin O’Connell announced some updates regarding injury situations. The most notable was edge rusher Jonathan Greenard. Despite trying to play through a shoulder injury, he had aggravated it to the point of now needing season-ending surgery.
Greenard has played through pain and remained active when available, but availability, cost, and long-term fit are now intersecting as Minnesota weighs tough roster decisions.
He picked up a sack against Dak Prescott while playing through the pain, and the Vikings head coach called it one of his talented defender’s best games. Unfortunately, that high note won’t be expanded upon the rest of the way after he goes under the knife.
Why Jonathan Greenard’s Vikings Future Is Suddenly Uncertain
Greenard has been out of action for the MN Vikings earlier this season, but the question now becomes how permanent this is. After a 12-sack season last year, he finished with just three in 2025. He had 12 quarterback hits, but certainly would have loved to contribute more in the stat column.
It’s not just that Greenard has had a down year. Many of his teammates have experienced the same reality. The bigger uncertainty for Greenard is how his contract was structured. With $38 million left on his deal over the next two years, there’s only a $9.9 million dead cap hit. That number is substantially down from the $32.3 million he carried this season.
From a valuation standpoint, it would be hard to argue that a healthy and productive Greenard isn’t underpaid at $18 million. Considering the output this year, that he’s coming off surgery, and that Minnesota has salary cap issues to work out, it begins to raise questions.
Minnesota has rarely utilized young edge rusher Dallas Turner to his full potential because of the presence of both Andrew Van Ginkel and Greenard. Turner has been the rotational third, and will now get expanded usage the rest of the way. Jalen Redmond, who had played more on the interior, should see increased reps as well.
The Vikings may determine Greenard is expendable at this point. Cutting him would be tough to see, but he could certainly be a trade candidate as well. The reality is that his down year and contract colliding at such a moment brings forward discussions that no one was probably prepared to have.
There will be some turnover on the Vikings roster next season. Greenard being part of that shouldn’t be shocking, even if it won’t be popular.
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