New Details Surface on Jonathan Greenard Trade Buzz
The Minnesota Vikings do not have a pressing urge to trade outside linebacker Jonathan Greenard, and he may stay put when it’s all said and done. That’s the word from ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Thursday after news broke that Greenard could be shipped elsewhere this offseason.
Greenard’s pressure rates stayed strong in 2025, and the Vikings now weigh extension cost against possible draft-pick value.
Greenard’s guaranteed money ran out in 2025, and, in theory, the Vikings could trade him for a handsome draft pick if they don’t have the cash in the budget for a long-term extension.
Greenard’s Market Value vs. Minnesota’s Cap Situation
More context on the new Greenard rumor mill.
Schefter: Vikings Don’t Want to Trade Greenard but It May End That Way
Foremost, “half the league” is reportedly interested in Greenard, as NFL teams are always in the market for top-tier pass rushers, especially those that also defend against the run. That’s Greenard.
Schefter also said about the Greenard trade sweepstakes on The Pat McAfee Show Thursday, “I think that there’s a case where I don’t think the Vikings really want to deal him, but it’s one of those cases where, if there’s a team that offers enough to go get him, and I think it would be a Day Two pick, so a second or a third, I think Minnesota, because of the financial questions and issues there, is gonna have to consider.”
“My guess is, in the end, when these things usually happen, when you hear about a player that a team is open to trading, when there have been discussions, when that happens like usually a trade happens, so I would say it’s probably more likely than not, but Minnesota knows how good he is, and I can tell you, isn’t going to be thrilled about giving him up.”
The verdict: Minnesota doesn’t want to lose Greenard but might have to because of the financial crunch created by former general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah.
The Compensation
The translation of Schefter’s comments — a Day Two pick — means the Vikings want nothing less than a 2nd- or 3rd-Round pick for Greenard. The Chicago Bears just shipped 28-year-old wide receiver D.J. Moore and a 5th-Round pick to the Buffalo Bills for a 2nd-Rounder. Anything is possible in the current climate.
What Greenard won’t fetch? A 1st-Rounder. He’ll turn 29 this year, and an EDGE rusher who just logged 3 sacks in 12 games is not worth 1st-Round capital in the eyes of general managers.
However, in theory, Minnesota could send Greenard and its 18th overall pick to a team with a Top 10 draft pick, and boom, the Vikings could select a blue-chip player. That’s on the table.
Two months ago, Greenard was whispered as a theoretical trade piece in a deal for Joe Burrow, though that was just fan fiction. Perhaps if Burrow personally requested a trade in the coming days or weeks, the Vikings could send multiple 1st-Rounders and Greenard to Cincinnati for Burrow.
Overall, expect something in the ballpark of a 3rd-Rounder if Minnesota is forced to trade Greenard.
Greenard’s Body of Work in MIN
In 2025, Greenard earned a 74.2 Pro Football Focus grade, a respectable mark for an EDGE defender. Despite missing five games, he ranked 17th in quarterback hurries and 31st in total pressures, demonstrating his ability to consistently disrupt the pocket.
However, his sack production presented a different picture. Greenard recorded the aforementioned 3 sacks in 12 games, a pace of just four over a full season. This represented a significant drop-off for a starting EDGE rusher, particularly one coming off a Pro Bowl season. Vikings fans often noted Greenard’s near misses, observing that he often beat blockers and forced errant throws but struggled to finish plays.
Now, the Vikings’ front office faces a crucial question: was 2025 an outlier, or a sign of declining performance? If Greenard rebounds and returns to double-digit sack production, a contract extension would be warranted, as a pass rusher with his disruptive capabilities is a valuable asset to any defense.
Alternatively, if the front office believes the decreased sack numbers indicate a deeper issue, trading Greenard for a 2nd- or 3rd-Round pick becomes a viable option. This would allow Dallas Turner to step into a larger role, while the team could add a veteran rotational outside linebacker through free agency, potentially targeting players like Arden Key or Von Miller.
Championship-caliber teams typically prioritize accumulating pass rushers rather than shedding them, as pressure on opposing quarterbacks is absolutely essential for defensive success. The Vikings moving on from a proven disruptor would signal a strong belief in the existing talent on the roster: Turner and Andrew Van Ginkel.
Parallels to the Danielle Hunter Situation
About 5-6 years ago, Minnesota encountered this precise situation. Danielle Hunter had signed a sweet extension in 2018, and by 2020, the deal felt outdated. Hunter held out for money, and the Vikings eventually met him halfway by adding more guaranteed cash to his contract.
Greenard’s deal — $19 million per year — was fair in 2024. Now, the best players at Greenard’s position earn $46 million annually. The Vikings must decide if paying Greenard between $27 million and $30 million — his market value — is wise for roster construction when Turner is hungry to start.
And thanks to Schefter, it is known that they prefer not lose Greenard.
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