Latest contract extension gives Minnesota Vikings a blueprint for how to keep Jonathan Greenard long-term

The Minnesota Vikings are still waiting for a resolution regarding edge rusher Jonathan Greenard. Friday afternoon’s news of Travon Walker’s extension could expedite a resolution for both sides.

Tyler Forness — NFL & College Football News Writer
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Dec 14, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Jonathan Greenard (58) and Minnesota Vikings linebacker Andrew van Ginkel (43) celebrate after a play during the first half against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium.
Dec 14, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Jonathan Greenard (58) and Minnesota Vikings linebacker Andrew van Ginkel (43) celebrate after a play during the first half against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

The Minnesota Vikings have been open to shopping edge rusher Jonathan Greenard on the trade market. The only reason why they had been willing to is Greenard wanting a raise after two really good seasons with the Vikings.

Greenard signed a four-year, $76 million contract during the 2024 offseason and immediately made an impact with 84 pressures and 12.5 sacks. He finished just a few votes short of earning All-Pro honors.

That new contract hasn’t come yet, and it likely won’t be resolved until training camp. It’s relatively easy to solve it, and the latest news in the NFL could help expedite that.

Travon Walker’s extension can help Vikings keep Jonathan Greenard

News broke on Friday afternoon that the Jacksonville Jaguars gave Travon Walker a massive extention worth $27.5 million average annual value.

It’s a massive extension for the first overall pick from the 2022 NFL Draft. The Jaguars received a lot of criticism for taking him over Aidan Hutchinson, and him earning this extension is burden of proof that they were right.

How do the Vikings and Greenard fit in this scenario? Let’s look back at what I wrote about solving the dillema on the first night of the legal tampering period.

The 10th-highest paid edge rusher is Brian Burns at $28.2 million and 11th is Nik Bonitto at $26.5 million. If you extend Greenard by two years at $34 million AAV, which would tie Nick Bosa for the seventh-highest paid pass rusher, the next four seasons would be the same as Bonitto’s AAV.

Making Greenard the 11th-highest paid pass rusher makes all the sense in the world based on his talent and ability. Plus, the Vikings could drop this season’s salary cap hit significantly. With him being a key player on defense, it should be a no-brainer, and it’s a way to get around giving him a “payraise,” as the Vikings get two more seasons of team control in their pocket.

Tyler Forness

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Things have changed slightly with edge rusher contracts, as Walker ranks as the 12th-highest paid edge rusher on average annual value, pushing Bonitto to 13th. Getting Greenard to that level isn’t unfair value.

Plus, Walker getting this contract asserts where Greenard’s value lies. They are similar players in terms of talent, value, and production, which will help solidify what his market value is. Now, that could give the Vikings a trade partner or help them come to a resolution.

Either way, this could get a resolution quicker.

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