Why the Vikings Might Trade Jonathan Greenard
The Minnesota Vikings are reportedly exploring the trade market for edge rusher Jonathan Greenard, their 2024 Pro Bowl defender. Greenard has been an excellent player in Brian Flores’ unit, so why would the Vikings even consider shipping him away?
1. He Wants a Raise
Trading away one of the team’s top players sounded strange at first, but it makes sense from a financial standpoint — at least to some extent.
Minnesota is still over $40 million above the salary cap. Though the expected departures of Aaron Jones and Javon Hargrave will help, other moves will have to be made. That can be done via restructures, trades, or contract terminations.
With two years remaining on his contract, Greenard would typically be a restructuring candidate. Yet, as his play is worth more than the deal he signed two years ago, he might be looking for a raise.
Consider Alec Lewis’ (The Athletic) analysis, “The issue is financial. Greenard wants more money, while the Vikings are navigating a salary-cap crunch. Greenard, 28, is due to make $19 million in each of the next two seasons ($38 million total). That puts him outside the NFL’s top 10 highest-paid edge rushers. The Vikings greatly value what he means to their defense, and if they were to trade him, they would have to receive a sizable return in draft capital. The team acquiring Greenard would also have to sign him to a new deal.”
Here’s what Albert Breer of SI had to say about the situation: “The Vikings’ situation with OLB Jonathan Greenard is a bit complex—Greenard is seeking a market correction to his contract, per sources. He’s due $19 million and would like a raise. Minnesota is comfortable with him at his current number. The team views him as one of their best players, and won’t just let him go. But if someone comes with a big offer, a deal could be had.”
At this point, Greenard ranks 17th in annual salary among edge defenders, with the top guys more than doubling his compensation.
Greenard introduced himself to Vikings fans as a true sack artist, securing 12 QB takedowns in 2024. His production dipped in 2025, as he only managed to log three sacks. On several occasions, opposing passers wiggled out of his grasp or evaded him as he approached.
He still led the team in QB pressures in back-to-back seasons, despite missing five games with a shoulder injury in 2025 and not being at full strength in others. Greenard is arguably the team’s top defender and would leave a significant hole — unless someone else could step up.
2. Dallas Turner
If Greenard is out, Turner would step into the spotlight. A pricey 2024 1st-rounder, Turner had a slow start to his career behind Pro Bowlers Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel, but took a massive step in his second season.
While both veterans missed time, Turner snuck into the starting lineup in 10 games last season, recording a team-high 8 sacks. The sophomore looked comfortable in Greenard’s spot as the team’s primary pass rusher, a role he would likely obtain if Greenard is dealt.
ESPN’s Kevin Seifert mentioned, “One mitigating factor in Greenard’s possible departure is the development of Dallas Turner, a first-round draft pick in 2024 who led the team with eight sacks in 2025, including 6.5 in the final eight games.”
As he just turned 23, there should still be some room to grow and with even more opportunity to show his skills, he might just reach that potential. The Vikings paid a colossal price to acquire his rights in 2024 and after two years, it might be time to give him further responsibilities and expect him to turn into the difference-maker he was drafted to be.
With Turner emerging and Greenard seeking a market correction to his contract, the Vikings suddenly have a complicated decision to make. Trading a top defender is never ideal, but if the right offer arrives, Minnesota could view it as an opportunity to create cap flexibility while accelerating Turner’s rise. Whether that scenario actually unfolds will depend on how aggressive other teams become in pursuing Greenard.
Editor’s Note: Information from PFF, Over The Cap, and Sports Reference helped with this article.
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