The Jonathan Greenard Sweepstakes Just Turned White Hot
Last week, the who’s who of NFL reporting announced that Minnesota Vikings outside linebacker Jonathan Greenard could be on the move via trade. Fast forward to Wednesday, and Greenard’s availability moved to the forefront after the Maxx Crosby trade between the Las Vegas Raiders and Baltimore Ravens fell through, which prompted the Ravens to sign Trey Hendrickson in free agency, who plays Greenard’s position and represented the top EDGE on the free-agent market.
Greenard may be back in play as the trade market shifts again.
With Hendrickson unavailable and Crosby’s short-term health in doubt, EDGE-needy teams are evidently pivoting to Greenard’s trade optionality.
Fresh Trade Buzz Surrounds the Vikings Pass Rusher
Greenard may be on the move after all.
Ravens Cancel the Crosby Trade
Crosby will not be a Raven.
A trio of reporters from The Athletic wrote Wednesday, “The deal to send star defensive end Maxx Crosby to the Baltimore Ravens is off, with the Las Vegas Raiders announcing in a stunning statement Tuesday evening that the Ravens ‘backed out of our trade agreement.’ The trade was scuttled after Crosby, who has been in Baltimore since earlier this week, failed his physical, league sources told The Athletic.”
“In a statement, the Raiders said they would have no further comment. The Ravens did not immediately comment. Crosby, who turns 29 in August, is recovering from surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his knee, which ended his 2025 season but was not expected to impact his availability for the 2026 season. Teams that were interested in trading for Crosby, including the Ravens, had conversations with his surgeon, Neal ElAttrache, and the Raiders’ medical staff before making trade offers.”
The Ravens were widely panned for backing out of the Crosby trade because the defender’s health was not mysterious. He’s recovering from an injury, and it’s common sense that he would not be 100% in March. Most have settled on the assumption that the Ravens got a case of buyer’s remorse and reneged on the trade while it was still legal.
Hendrickson to BAL
Then, to add fuel to the fire, the Ravens signed Hendrickson.
Two days passed in free agency before Hendrickson signed, and based on his talent level and historical production, he should’ve been one of the first free agents off the board. Baltimore landed Hendrickson, a big fish, for $112 million over four years, instantly solving its EDGE problem after cancelling the Crosby trade.
Outside of older EDGEs like Joey Bosa and Leonard Floyd, there are no more premium players available at that position, rocketing Greenard’s allure to the heavens.
Renewed Interest in Greenard
With Crosby back in Las Vegas, at least temporarily, and Hendrickson in Baltimore, Greenard has fresh sizzle.
NFL writer Evan Sidery tweeted Wednesday, “With Trey Hendrickson now off the board, teams who were pursuing him now plan to pivot towards a trade for Jonathan Greenard. The Colts, Cowboys, Eagles, and Seahawks figure to be in the mix with the price being a 2026 Day 2 pick.”
The Athletic‘s Alec Lewis, who covers the Vikings, posted on the same day: “Definitely worth watching Vikings edge Jonathan Greenard with Trey Hendrickson off the board. Multiple NFC teams have been in the market for edge rushers. Vikings haven’t wanted to trade Greenard unless they get a premium return that meets their price tag.”
ESPN’s Kevin Seifert added, “Amid the Maxx Crosby-Trey Hendrickson news, a reminder that the Vikings have been open to trading their top pass rusher, Jonathan Greenard. Doesn’t necessarily have to happen by today’s 4 p.m. ET start of the new league year, or at all, but it’s a timeframe worth watching.”
A short list of teams eyeing Greenard might include:
- Atlanta Falcons
- Dallas Cowboys
- Indianapolis Colts
- New England Patriots
- Philadelphia Eagles
- San Francisco 49ers
- Seattle Seahawks
- Washington Commanders
The Trade Price
So, what can Minnesota get for Greenard? Well, for starters, interim general manager Rob Brzezinski reportedly does not want to trade him, though it may be inevitable with Greenard’s thirst for a contract extension. Former Vikings OLB Danielle Hunter fetched a one-year extension last week worth over $40 million. It would not be strange one iota for Greenard to ask for $35 million annually, especially when Micah Parsons in Green Bay brings home $47 million per year.
If Minnesota cannot accommodate Greenard’s demands, a fair price for a trade is probably the equivalent of a 2nd-Round pick — a 3rd-Rounder if the Vikings decide they’re desperate.
Meanwhile, the Eagles are reportedly hesitant to spend big on DT Jalen Carter’s impending extension, which could lead to a deal between Minnesota and Philadelphia that swaps Greenard and draft picks for Carter.
Still, Minnesota likely won’t trade Greenard for anything less than a 2nd-Rounder. Why would it? Greenard is a Top 15 EDGE defender, and teams seeking playoff contention are usually in the business of keeping pass rushers, not offloading them.
If Greenard is traded, third-year OLB Dallas Turner would be promoted with the snap of two fingers, Andrew Van Ginkel would remain in place, and the Vikings would need a credible OLB3 from free agency, perhaps a player like A.J. Epenesa or the aforementioned Leonard Floyd.
Finally, the Vikings haven’t spent much in free agency after clearing a boatload of cap space. Perhaps they’ll just extend Greenard and call it good.
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