Sauce Gardner Tries to Recruit a Viking via Trade
The Jonathan Greenard trade rumor mill has not been quiet in the last week, and thanks to a tweet, Sauce Gardner has joined the circus. The Indianapolis Colts cornerback would like to see Greenard on his team in 2026, even if it’s unclear whether the Vikings will actually ship Greenard elsewhere.
Gardner’s post gave a fresh jolt to Greenard trade chatter.
Gardner is never shy about sharing his thoughts, and the Greenard sweepstakes is no different.
Indianapolis Emerges as a Team to Watch in Greenard Buzz
The Vikings have been reportedly listening to Greenard-themed trade offers for a week.
Gardner: Get Greenard to IND
Greenard might be the most sought-after EDGE defender on the trade market right now after Maxx Crosby declared his return to the Las Vegas Raiders last week.
A Vikings fan tweeted footage of Greenard highlights on Saturday, and Gardner found it on Sunday. He retweeted with this caption: “Love a good pass rush.. is it time to open my basement back up🤔”
Here’s the full tweet:
Gardner joked before the tweet about locking Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce in his basement, forcing him to sign an extension in Indianapolis. Pierce — without the basement trappings — indeed re-upped with the Colts for $114 million over four years.
So, Gardner would somehow use his basement again to ensure Greenard landed in Indianapolis, though the logistics don’t really make sense.
Indianapolis’s DEs
Do the Colts need Greenard? Yes — but not quite as much as a team like the Philadelphia Eagles that could be in a state of panic over EDGE depth.
These are the Colts’ defensive ends through mid-March:
- Laiatu Latu
- Arden Key
- JT Tuimoloau
- Michael Clemons
- Durell Nchami
- Viliami Fehoko Jr.
Latu is outstanding. Key has been around the NFL for a long time and is a sure-fire starter. Tuimoloau posted a 60.6 Pro Football Focus grade as a rookie last year in limited action.
Greenard would take the Colts’ EDGE group to the next level. A cake topper.
Colts Are a Bit Light on Draft Picks …
A Greenard trade to Indianapolis might be tricky for one reason: the Colts don’t have many premium draft picks. Greenard probably won’t command a 1st-Rounder, but Indianapolis may not be in a hurry to sell and 2nd-Rounders.
Ironically, Indianapolis does not have a 1st-Rounder in 2026 or 2027 because of the guy who tweeted about Greenard. It sold those picks to the New York Jets five months ago via trade for Gardner.
These are the Colts’ pick in 2026:
- 2nd Round (No. 47 overall)
- 3rd Round (No. 78 overall)
- 4th Round (No. 113 overall)
- 5th Round (No. 154 overall)
- 6th Round (No. 214 overall)
- 7th Round (No. 249 overall)
- 7th Round (No. 254 overall)
It might be strange for the Colts to part with a 2nd-Rounder after giving away two 1st-Rounders for Gardner.
Other Possible Greenard Suitors
Because of Latu, Key, and Tuimoloau, the Colts may not be at the very top of the Greenard sweepstakes. Other teams that could express interest in Greenard:
- Atlanta Falcons
- Dallas Cowboys
- New England Patriots
- Philadelphia Eagles
- San Francisco 49ers
SI.com‘s Patrick McAvoy noted on the Eagles as a trade partner last week, “It certainly sounds like the Philadelphia Eagles are surveying the market for a potential replacement for Jaelan Phillips, who opted to join the Carolina Panthers in free agency.”
“The Eagles have been looking around and The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reported on Wednesday morning that Philadelphia was one of the teams making offers to superstar pass rusher Trey Hendrickson, but he opted to go to the Baltimore Ravens instead.”
If the Eagles cannot find an extra quality EDGE, they may be forced to draft a couple early next month.
McAvoy continued, “In the immediate aftermath, Russini reported that the Eagles have had lines to both Hendrickson, and potential Minnesota Vikings trade chip Jonathan Greenard. Russini followed up on Wednesday afternoon and noted that Philadelphia has not only remained in contact with the Vikings about a possible move, but also with his agent about a potential contract extension if a team can be finalized.”
“The fact that the Eagles have not only spoken with the Vikings, but to Greenard’s agent about a contract extension, certainly is a sign that the talks are very real.”
It’s also worth noting that Minnesota trading Greenard feels a bit silly. Teams with Super Bowl aspirations — the Vikings proved they have those after signing Kyler Murray last week — don’t generally find ways to get rid of talented EDGEs. They do the inverse: load up on pass-rushing help.
Left up to Gardner, though, the Colts should pursue Greenard. He thinks his sway helped Pierce stay in Indianapolis. Why not Greenard next?
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