Jonathan Greenard trade steam heats back up, as Minnesota Vikings approach NFL Draft
The Minnesota Vikings allowed Jonathan Greenard to seek a trade during the off season, and it could finally come to fruition during the NFL Draft.
One of the biggest storylines during free agency for the Minnesota Vikings was the potential for a Jonathan Greenard trade.
Right before the start of free agency, news broke that Greenard was given permission to seek a trade, as he wanted a revised contract to better reflect his performance over the first two years. With there being no guaranteed money left on the contract to start free agency ($4 million became guaranteed on March 15th), it’s not a surprise Greenard looked to get more money.
Even with the ability to negotiate with other teams, they didn’t find a contract they liked. With all of that said, a trade could end up manifesting soon.
Jonathan Greenard could be traded during the NFL Draft
With the NFL Draft coming up, there is a chance that Greenard could be traded during the three-day event, something highlighted by ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Monday.
One possibility is adding Vikings linebacker Jonathan Greenard, whom the Eagles have checked in on at various points this offseason, per sources. Greenard had 12 sacks in 2024, but he managed only three last season over 12 games, despite a solid 23.3% pass rush win rate. The Vikings have been adamant about getting a premium Day 2 pick for Greenard. Philadelphia holds pick Nos. 54, 68 and 98 on Day 2 this year.
League sources say the Eagles and Vikings could revisit discussions they already have had during the upcoming draft, but talks have lost steam in recent weeks. The Eagles’ wish list of trade candidates goes well beyond Greenard, per sources, though. Roseman almost always has a Plan A, B, C and D, and his team is one to monitor on one of the busiest weekends of the NFL calendar.
ESPN's Adam Schefter
Title
It’s no secret the Eagles have tried to trade for Greenard in the past. He would fit their defensive scheme, run by Vic Fangio, to a T. They also have a major need at edge rusher, which is why they have been connected for so long.
It’s evident that Greenard would help the Eagles, but will a trade actually happen? Schefter colleague, Jeremy Fowler, highlighted how the Vikings don’t want to trade Greenard.
This entire situation is a fascinating one to build out over the course of the next few days. The NFL Draft is a pressure cooker, and with picks becoming official players and not ideas, that could happen quickly.
If the Vikings end up trading Greenard, it would give them another high draft pick to continue building up the depth of their roster, which is something they desperately need. This will be worth monitoring over the course of the next few days.