Jonathan Greenard Earns a New Job
Admittedly, the Jonathan Greenard news that has dropped isn’t the update that many are waiting to see. There is, nevertheless, some merit in rallying around the news about the NFLPA.
Mr. Greenard has always been a great leader who puts a ton of effort into his craft. He’s now allowing those characteristics to move him into a formal leadership position within the NFLPA. Ben Goessling offers a comment: “The NFLPA’s new executive committee includes #Vikings edge rusher Jonathan Greenard and former Vikings defensive tackle Harrison Phillips.”
Jonathan Greenard is Now a Top NFLPA Leader
In a surprise to nobody, DT Harrison Phillips is within the fresh round of elected leaders for the player executive.
Nicknamed Horrible Harry, Mr. Phillips is anything but horrible (though NFL guards may not be within his fan club). He’s someone who elevates a locker room, offers great on-field effort, and does a pile of work within the community. Phillips, a great leader, is simply taking another step within his leadership, doing so in the context of the league as a whole.
In like manner, Jonathan Greenard has always been impressive on the field and off the field.
Originally, the edge rusher came to town due to the promise of a four-year pact for a total of $76 million. Some sticker shock may have been present at the time, but $19 million per year for a strong EDGE1 is a bargain in the modern NFL. Some players are demanding more than double, at least if the compensation comes down to a per-year average.
The issue confronting Jonathan Greenard is that he’s coming off a season where he had just 3 sacks, a very modest total. His leverage isn’t at its highest.
However, looking away from the stat sheet and onto the field would involve seeing a defender who deserved far more sacks. Greenard was akin to a gifted goal scorer hitting the post consistently or an ace 3-point shooter seeing shots roll around the rim before falling harmlessly to the floor.
Very good chance, folks, that the veteran bounces back in 2026.
Jonathan Greenard is a rugged edge defender who gobbles up running backs. And, to be sure, he does more than just get sacks (as great as those are). He consistently generates pressure and hurries the QB. PFF gave him a healthy 74.2 grade last season, a bit below his 81.1 grade from 2024.
Generally speaking, NFL teams demonstrate wisdom when moving out a player before his play drops off a cliff rather than after it drops. Shipping out Jonathan Greenard therefore has some merit so long as the incoming draft pick(s) is sufficiently valuable.
Simple note a basic truth: as soon as a team moves out a player like Jonathan Greenard, that same team begins looking for a player exactly like Jonathan Greenard. Dallas Turner could become that player, but there’s a long way to go.
A trade would mean freeing $12.25 million in cap space for 2026.
The 28-year-old defender comes in at a sturdy 6’3″ and 259 pounds. He worked through injury issues last year but won’t have a problem being ready for Week 1 of the upcoming season.
Editor’s Note: Information from Pro Football Reference, PFF, and Over the Cap helped with this piece.
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