4 Possible Trade Packages for Jonathan Greenard
NFL insiders made it clear this week that the Minnesota Vikings could trade outside linebacker Jonathan Greenard if they cannot meet his contract extension demands. Minnesota would rather keep the star EDGE defender, but here’s a look at theoretical trade deals if they cannot.
Minnesota may not want to move Greenard, though the trade math is easy to envision.
Greenard will turn 29 in May and earns $19 million per season, whereas one of his peers, Micah Parsons, rakes in $47 million annually.
Many Teams Reportedly Want a Piece of Greenard
Most hope Greenard stays put in MIN.
Trade No. 1: Washington Commanders
Vikings Get: 7th Overall Pick
Commanders Get: 18th Pick | Jonathan Greenard
This deal would put the Vikings in prime territory to draft Jeremiyah Love (RB, Notre Dame), Sonny Styles (ILB, Ohio State), or Caleb Downs (S, Ohio State) — if Downs’s stock stabilizes after troublsome reporting about his health at the Combine.
The Commanders have approximately two EDGE rushers on the current depth chart for 2026, and their names are Dorance Armstrong and Deatrich Wise Jr. Do you know who those people are? The team that reached the NFC Championship in 2024 desperately needs pass-rushing aid.
Greenard can be precisely that, and new Commanders defensive coordinator Daronte Jones will know Greenard well. The pair worked together in Minnesota during the last two seasons.
This is the Vikings’ path to Love (the RB) or a franchise cornerstone defender like Styles or Downs.
Trade No. 2: Dallas Cowboys
Vikings Get: 20th Overall Pick | 112th Pick (R4)
Cowboys Get: 49th Pick (R2) | Jonathan Greenard
The Cowboys traded Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers — it has to be them, didn’t it? — last summer, and surprise(!), they now need EDGE help. Wild how that works.
Losing out on the Maxx Crosby sweepstakes, Jerry Jones will admire Greenard from afar, pulling the trigger on a draft trade to solidify the pass rush. If you think this deal is a little rich in the Vikings’ favor, always remember that Jones does bizarre things — like trading away Parsons.
Trade No. 3: San Francisco 49ers
Vikings Get: QB Mac Jones
49ers Get: Jonathan Greenard
It doesn’t get any more straightforward than this. Mac Jones, in theory, is on the trade block, and his value is around a 2nd- or 3rd-Rounder. Greenard — apparently — is on the trade block, too, and his value [checks notes] is around a 2nd- or 3rd-Rounder.
Minnesota and San Francisco can fire up a human-for-human swap here, and everyone keeps their precious draft picks.
Let’s pretend for the sake of this idea that free-agent-to-be Kyler Murray signs with the New York Jets, Atlanta Falcons, Pittsburgh Steelers, or Miami Dolphins instead of the Vikings. Pain.
NinerNation‘s Nicholas McGee on the would-be trade: “The acquisition of Greenard would give the 49ers’ edge depth a much healthier look, and give them the flexibility to potentially move on from Huff and save just under $5.4 million against the cap for a player who will be a free agent in 2027. Given the Vikings’ problems at quarterback, the stars could align for such a deal to happen, as Minnesota stands out as an ideal trade destination for Jones.”
“The knock on Jones’ excellent quarterback performances last season in relief of Brock Purdy is that they came while he had the insulation of the Kyle Shanahan offense. Few play-callers can elevate a quarterback like Shanahan, but Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell has an excellent track record of doing so with Kirk Cousins and Sam Darnold.”
Trade No. 4: New England Patriots
Vikings Get: 63rd Overall Pick (R2) | 131st Pick (R5)
Ravens Get: Jonathan Greenard
With approximately $40 million in cap space, the New England Patriots, under Mike Vrabel, have significant flexibility heading into free agency. This financial cushion could enable them to trade for Greenard and subsequently extend his contract if Minnesota cannot re-sign him. Greenard’s disruptive edge-rushing skills would be an excellent fit for Vrabel’s defensive schemes, which typically excel with such players.
The Patriots’ current depth chart underscores the opportunity. A team that recently competed in the Super Bowl might be relying on Anfernee Jennings and Harold Landry as its primary EDGE rushers in 2026, highlighting the Patriots’ need for a more impactful player at that position.
Although no clear coaching or front-office connection directly links Greenard to New England, the reasoning is simple: the Patriots need EDGE defenders, and Greenard fits the bill. Vrabel’s coaching could also help Greenard thrive even more.
Interim general manager Rob Brzezinski can turn around and sign an OLB3 like A.J. Epenesa, Jadeveon Clowney, Kwity Paye, or Joseph Ossai.
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