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ESPN analyst rips Vikings for screwing up Jonathan Greenard trade
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- ESPN analyst rips Vikings for screwing up Jonathan Greenard trade
ESPN analyst rips Vikings for screwing up Jonathan Greenard trade appeared first on ClutchPoints . Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
It's pretty clear that ESPN's Bill Barnwell was not a fan of the Minnesota Vikings ' Jonathan Greenard trade.
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On the second day of the NFL draft last month, the Vikings traded Greenard, a one-time Pro Bowl linebacker, and a seventh-round draft pick to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for a third-rounder, which became Miami safety Jakobe Thomas, and a 2027 third-round pick. Greenard, who played two seasons in Minnesota, signed a four-year, $98 million contract with Philadelphia after the trade.
It's typical of teams to offload talent they don't want to pay long-term, especially those, like Greenard, who are approaching 30. And that's not what Barnwell had a problem with, as he conceded it "made sense" to move Greenard to make room for 2024 first-round pick Dallas Turner . But Barnwell just couldn't believe the Vikings' haul — or lack thereof — in the trade.
"However, defensive tackles like Quinnen Williams and Dexter Lawrence landed first-round picks in deals, and edge rusher Maxx Crosby (briefly) netted the Raiders two first-rounders," Barnwell wrote. "Did the Vikings really do themselves any favors by waiting until late April to deal Greenard? They landed only a pair of third-round picks from the Eagles. One of those picks was the 98th selection in this year's draft, and it would be a surprise if the 2027 third-rounder landed anywhere before No. 90. Two late third-round picks isn't a ton for a player as explosive as Greenard, who was still blowing by people on tape at less than 100 percent a year ago."
The Eagles will be the third NFL team for which Greenard, 29, has played. He began his career with the Houston Texans , racking up 23 sacks in four seasons, including 12.5 in his final year, before signing with the Vikings. He had a dozen sacks in his first year with Minnesota before injuries hampered him in 2025.
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