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The Jonathan Greenard Problem and The Solution Hiding in Plain Sight
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- The Jonathan Greenard Problem and The Solution Hiding in Plain Sight
Jeffrey Becker
Very reasonably, Jonathan Greenard wants more money. He's an EDGE1 who is making an average of $19 million per season. In an NFL workplace, that's a bargain, leading to the desire for an adjustment ( or trade ).
At the risk of oversimplifying a complex situation, the Vikings have a solution that's hiding in plain sight. After all, the team has recently been here. Just think back to edge rusher Danielle Hunter alongside the more recent news for T.J. Hockenson . Both of those examples offer instructions for the way forward.
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Jonathan Greenard: A Solution (with Humility)
Getting Mr. Greenard to town came with some sticker shock. Handing out a four-year pact for a total of $76 million does hit as meaty money.
Keep in mind, though, that contracts are contextual. Among the context of NFL pass rushers, demanding $19 million per year is toward the upper end in the sense that it's more than what most people are being paid. If, however, the context gets shrunk down to those are clear-cut top options, then the compensation looks a touch light.
Minnesota Vikings linebacker Jonathan Greenard (58) lines up on defense during an NFC Wild Card playoff matchup with the Los Angeles Rams at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, on Jan. 13, 2025. Greenard prepares for the snap as Minnesota's defense battles Los Angeles in the opening round of the NFC postseason. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.
In fact, the Vikings were confronting a similar issue last year. Andrew Van Ginkel came to town for the promise of a two-year deal for $20 million total. Essentially, a tremendous bargain. Minnesota's decision was to extend his deal, handing over meatier money.
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Quite possibly, Jonathan Greenard sees a similar solution. He's younger but hasn't been as excellent as his counterpart. Minnesota could nevertheless opt for this solution.
What could be even better, though, is to offer a pay raise while agreeing to rip up the final year of Greenard's deal. He has two years remaining, but lessening the contract to just one more allows him to be a free agent with more youth in tow.
TE1 T.J. Hockenson did something similar recently. The difference there is that the pass catcher saw his compensation for 2026 lowered alongside an adjustment that sees him set free in 2027. The end result is Hockenson being able to go nuclear in what is now a contract year before cashing in on another major contract.
Meanwhile, Mr. Hunter did something similar to the option being discussed in these lines. The Vikings kicked over some added money while letting him slip into free agency early. Doing so meant creating the conditions for him to make more money now and in the future since he could get to the open market.
Minnesota Vikings linebacker Jonathan Greenard celebrates after sacking Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud during the third quarter on Sep. 22, 2024, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, delivering a momentum-shifting defensive play that ignited the home crowd and highlighted his role in disrupting Houston's offensive rhythm in the Week 3 showdown. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images.
Jonathan Greenard had a reasonably modest 2025 season. Like a goal scorer who keeps hitting the post, Jonathan Greenard kept getting into the backfield before failing to sack the quarterback. The final tally showed just 3 sacks.
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What must be remembered, though, is that he deserved far more. Greenard is still formidable and disruptive.
In fact, Greenard's debut season featured 12 sacks alongside 22 quarterback hits and 18 tackles for loss. Offering that level of production — especially upon remembering that he creates pressure consistently — means that the current contract is very light.
The Vikings' response should involve ripping up the final year of his contract. Do so alongside the decision to beef up his pay for 2026. Should he return to his normal stats, Jonathan Greenard can land a massive deal next year.
Jul 29, 2025; Eagan, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel (43), linebacker Dallas Turner (15) and linebacker Jonathan Greenard (58) talk during the teams training camp at the Minnesota Vikings Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
Greenard gets money today and freedom tomorrow. Minnesota gets the star pass rusher back in the saddle. Better yet, Minnesota gets him back while being very motivated.
Editor's Note: Information from Pro Football Reference and Over the Cap helped with this piece.
