Future of Minnesota Vikings EDGE Jonathan Greenard could have a similar fate to teammates of year’s past with lastest report

The future of Minnesota Vikings edge rusher Jonathan Greenard has been up in the air for a few weeks, with a trade not manifesting. There is another path forward, and it’s one they’ve taken before.

Tyler Forness — NFL & College Football News Writer
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Dec 7, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Washington Commanders running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. (36) rushes the ball against Minnesota Vikings linebacker Jonathan Greenard (58) during the first half at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Dec 7, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Washington Commanders running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. (36) rushes the ball against Minnesota Vikings linebacker Jonathan Greenard (58) during the first half at U.S. Bank Stadium. Brad Rempel-Imagn Images

One of the biggest stories of the Minnesota Vikings’ offseason is the future of edge rusher Jonathan Greenard.

Ahead of free agency, news broke that the Vikings were willing to trade Greenard. Initially, it was rather shocking to hear. Greenard is the best player on the Vikings’ defense, and trading him would be a mistake. Even so, Greenard wants an extension, which is the point of contention.

So far, the Vikings haven’t been willing to budge on a raise for Greenard. They should give him a raise right away, and it could end up happening.

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Vikings can fix Jonathan Greenard’s contract in familiar way

We’ve seen multiple different instances with the Vikings of players wanting a raise. Tight end T.J. Hockenson and safety Josh Metellus got extensions in recent years after holding in. Edge rusher Danielle Hunter also held in and got money moved around along with a raise the following year.

Once the Vikings get into training camp, the Vikings could do the same thing. The Athletic’s Alec Lewis mentioned that in his latest from the NFL Owners Meetings.

O’Connell similarly said he expects Greenard to play a major role for the Vikings in 2026, both on and off the field. Other NFL teams could continue to call. The Vikings will keep an open mind.

If training camp comes and Greenard still wants a reworked contract, the Vikings will look for a solution as they have with core players like Josh Metellus and T.J. Hockenson in previous seasons.

The Athletic's Alec Lewis

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That would be an interesting development. Lewis mentioning it gives credence to it happening come training camp. We’ve seen the Vikings do it multiple times with other key players, and history tends to repeat himself. For years, former general manager Rick Spielman gave out an extension to begin training camp.

Will Greenard be willing to take a smaller raise once training camp begins? Only time will reveal that information. What is currently known is simple: the Vikings want to keep him, and a potential hold-in could make those discussions happen faster.

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