The Vikings’ Big Trade May Happen at the Draft
As of late, most Vikings fans have settled on — hoped? — the Minnesota Vikings hanging onto outside linebacker Jonathan Greenard for the long haul. But according to CBS Sports, the draft may still be the forum for the swap.
The draft may push Minnesota to decide whether to move Greenard or keep him as a core piece moving forward.
Greenard wants a handsome contract extension, and it’s unclear if the Vikings have the cash for it.
Greenard’s Market May Peak during Draft Weekend
The Greenard saga continues.
CBS Sports: Don’t Forget about a Greenard Trade during Draft
Zachary Pereles addressed non-draft matters around the NFL this week, landing on the Vikings’ doorstep with the Greenard revelation.
He explained, “Obviously, the draft will be crucial, but there’s also the potential for a Jonathan Greenard deal. Minnesota has been open to trading the 28-year-old pass rusher. The Vikings are just barely salary cap-compliant right now, even after releasing Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave and bringing back Aaron Jones on a cheaper deal. Greenard carries a cap hit of over $22 million each of the next two seasons.”
“Perhaps the Vikings, having not found a trade partner in March, hold steady. Or perhaps April — maybe during the draft — is when the 2024 Pro Bowler finds a new home.”
Waiting until the draft would enable the Vikings to see the board at the time of the trade. That is: “If we trade Greenard to Team X, we can draft Player Y.”
Pereles added, “Executive vice president of football operations Rob Brzezinski is serving as interim GM, and he will continue to do so through the draft. Only then will a full search begin.”
“But Brzezinski has made several big calls this offseason, including signing Murray and exercising Jordan Addison’s fifth-year option. He also has big calls to make.”
The Landing Spots?
It’s never an exact science to forecast trade landing spots for a player because the league is so unpredictable, but a reasonable trade shortlist for Greenard might look like this:
- Atlanta Falcons
- Buffalo Bills
- Dallas Cowboys
- Indianapolis Colts
- New England Patriots
- Philadelphia Eagles
- San Francisco 49ers
Through one month of the Greenard trade sweepstakes, the Eagles have dominated the rumor mill, mainly because Nick Sirianni’s team has Jalyx Hunt and Nolan Smith lined up as starting EDGEs for 2026. Those men wouldn’t start for the Vikings, and pound for pound, the Eagles have a better roster. From some venue, either the draft or trade, Philadelphia will probably end up with better pass rushers in the next few months. Perhaps that will be Greenard.
The Colts, too, who claim to be all in for a Super Bowl, need help at the same position, only showcasing Arden Key and Laiatu Lutu at defensive end.
The Odyssey of the Greenard Trade Rumors
On March 3, Adam Schefter lit the fuse, claiming that Greenard was available via trade and that the Vikings were open to offers, immediately fueling trade rumors.
The timing was logical, as free agency was only a week away, potentially allowing Minnesota to acquire a valuable asset, perhaps a 2nd-Round pick, in exchange for Greenard. However, a significant obstacle soon emerged: his contract. While Greenard’s $19 million annual salary is considerably less than the $45+ million commanded by top-tier edge rushers, any team acquiring him would also need to negotiate a lucrative contract extension, limiting the number of potential suitors.
Philadelphia, initially considered a strong fit, reportedly hesitated to commit to a substantial extension, especially given Greenard’s relatively modest production of 3 sacks in 12 games.
Since Schefter’s initial report, trade speculation has decreased. Greenard’s social media activity, featuring Vikings highlights, and his presence at the team’s headquarters in Eagan suggest he will remain in Minnesota.
Moreover, retaining Greenard aligns with the goals of a team seeking playoff contention. Productive pass rushers are invaluable assets, and Greenard fits that description. If Minnesota aims to return to the playoffs, keeping Greenard and negotiating a contract extension that reflects his market value seems the most sensible approach. Nobody really wants to see him leave.
The Trade Package?
Greenard will turn 29 this year; a 1st-Rounder probably isn’t in play as trade compensation.
A 2nd-Rounder, though, is reasonable, and credible reporting has suggested that’s what the Vikings want to unload him. Most considered Greenard a Top 15 EDGE defender, and despite the aforementioned 3 sacks in 2025, his pressure numbers confirm the ranking.
It’s probably more likely that Minnesota hangs onto Greenard — he has not publicly asked for a change of scenery — but the draft is the next big hurdle for fans who want to see him stay.
It’s also worth noting that the Vikings would probably turn around and draft another pass rusher if they traded Greenard, possibly with the same draft pick from the would-be deal.
You must be logged in to post a comment.