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Is Jonathan Greenard Staying in Minnesota?
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- Is Jonathan Greenard Staying in Minnesota?
Kirby Lee
It has been the somewhat surprising major story of the Minnesota Vikings ' offseason. The team's leading pass rusher, Jonathan Greenard , saw his name suddenly appear in trade rumors. However, no team has made an offer that would cause the Vikings to pull the trigger on a trade. So, is Greenard staying in Minnesota?
All Signs Point to Greenard's Return to MIN
The Vikings signed Greenard to a four-year, $76 million contract back in 2024. It looked like a bargain at the time, and now it seems Greenard wants a pay rise, which is what sparked the trade speculation in the first place. Minnesota got its salary cap in order without trading Greenard, and with the first phase of free agency done, there doesn't seem to be any great need to make a trade.
Minnesota Vikings linebacker Jonathan Greenard lines up on defense during the NFC Wild Card matchup against the Los Angeles Rams on Jan. 13, 2025, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. The veteran pass rusher set the tone for Minnesota's defensive front, applying steady pressure and leadership during the intense postseason clash as the Vikings looked to contain Los Angeles' high-powered offensive unit. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.
Amid all the rumors and speculation, Greenard dropped a cryptic message on X over the weekend that caught people's attention.
Greenard has been active on social media in recent weeks, but has never said anything about his future. This was the first time he said anything that could be construed that way, but what is he actually saying?
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The responses varied from claiming he's staying in Minnesota to claiming he is definitely leaving — it could mean either. I sense that he will still be wearing Vikings purple in 2026, and his performance over his first two seasons in Minnesota clearly explains why he should be.
Jonathan Greenard in Minnesota So Far
Greenard has made a significant impact since arriving in Minnesota, racking up 97 tackles, 15 sacks, and five forced fumbles over 29 games. He has graded well above 70 in both seasons with the Vikings via Pro Football Focus' grading system, showing consistently good play.
While Andrew Van Ginkel , who was signed at the same time, has been a great success with his unique style of play as an edge defender, first-round draft pick Dallas Turner started to emerge in the second half of last season. Greenard has been the undisputed leader of the Vikings' pass rush and would leave a major hole in the Vikings' defense if he were to leave.
Minnesota Vikings linebacker Jonathan Greenard (58) goes through pregame warmups before facing the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee, on Nov. 17, 2024. Greenard stretches and prepares on the field as Minnesota gets ready for the interconference matchup on the road. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images.
Looking ahead, the Vikings have a major decision to make. Greenard is entering the final year of his contract after the 2026 NFL season. He doesn't turn 29 until May and should have plenty of good seasons ahead of him — look at Danielle Hunter looking better than ever at 31 last season. Greenard is at an age where, from a personal perspective, he will be thinking about the last bumper contract of his career. The Vikings should be the team to give it to him.
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If Minnesota isn't willing to commit even longer term, then a trade could still be on the cards, and there will be plenty of suitors . The Philadelphia Eagles , Indianapolis Colts , and Dallas Cowboys have all been spoken of as potential destinations. However, if the Vikings are living up to their reputation for always wanting to be competitive, then letting arguably the best player on their defense leave at this point doesn't make sense.
Greenard should stay in Minnesota for longer than the two years remaining on his current contract.
