Story by
Potential Vikings Trade Partner Revealed… Along with Familiar Hold Up
- Story by
- Potential Vikings Trade Partner Revealed… Along with Familiar Hold Up
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Plenty of rumors have been swirling around the Minnesota Vikings ' mission to rework their quarterback room this offseason. Recently, that chatter has largely been pointing toward Kyler Murray , who's expected to be released by the Arizona Cardinals before the official start of NFL free agency on March 11.
But the Vikings have other business they've been tending to over the last week, in order to prepare the 2026 roster for whichever quarterback they eventually sign to "compete" with JJ McCarthy this summer.
Advertisement
Among other things, the MN Vikings have reportedly restructured multiple contracts , notified cut candidates of their impending release , slapped Jalen Redmond was with the exclusive rights tender and placed 2024 Pro Bowler Jonathan Greenard on the trade block .
Related Headlines
MN Vikings would prefer NOT to trade Jonathan Greenard
The last move came as a bit of a surprise to fans and local media, but it made more sense once follow-up reporting revealed Greenard and his representation had approached the Vikings for a raise and extension to his contract.
According to Darren Wolfson (KSTP) on the latest "Scoops" episode on SKOR North , the Minnesota Vikings do not want to trade Jonathan Greenard, but they are hard-pressed to pay and extend a QB sack specialist coming off a season where he struggled with injuries and collected just three sacks in 12 games played.
"[Jonathan Greenard], his representation led by Drew Rosenhaus, they want more money…they think Greenard is under-compensated. They want a raise.
The Vikings response to that is, 'Hey, come on, Drew. We love the player. We want the player here, but we want him to play under the terms of his current deal.'
That's what the Vikings want more than anything. They want Greenard here playing under the terms of the contract he signed. That's what they want.
But if Greenard, his camp, keep pushing for some sort of raise — and hey, you're pushing for it because maybe deep down you know that some other team will pay him handsomely because he's a really good player."
There's a reason Greenard is asking for more money. The National Football League is starving for elite pass rush talent and it wouldn't surprise me if he could get way more than $19 million per season.
Advertisement
And now that Maxx Crosby is off the market, the Vikings' phone at TCO Performance Center has probably been blowing up with questions and offers on Greenard.
Philadelphia Eagles weighing Greenard cost pre and post trade
According to Jeremy Fowler (ESPN) , the Philadelphia Eagles have reportedly already hit the Vikings' line to discuss their 28-year-old pass rusher. In fact, the NFL insider reports that GM Howie Roseman is weighing the cost of trading for Greenard — which starts at a day-two draft pick.
From the sounds of it, however, the Eagles' concern is less about the trade cost… and more about what his demand for an extension could run them. In other words, they are worried about the same thing Minnesota is.
The Eagles are believed to have inquired about Minnesota's Jonathan Greenard. The Vikings have received many inquiries on Greenard, who will be far cheaper to acquire than Crosby. A Day 2 pick probably gets a deal done. But complicating matters is Greenard's contract. Teams say he wants a new deal. His current contract is set to pay him $38 million over the next two years.
Related: Local Insider Narrows MN Vikings QB List to Three… Not One
Advertisement
After two straight seasons where he 12 or more sacks, Greenard's lack of production in 2025 could wind up costing him a lot of money, unless Rosenhaus can work his magic. To add some more complications, Jonathan just underwent shoulder surgery before the end of last season.
In 2026, Greenard's cap hit is scheduled to cost the Vikings $22.15 million of their cap space . In 2027, that number rises to $22.3 million. If an acquiring team can rework his deal, then it's possible a trade could work.
MN Vikings should demand the world for Jonathan Greenard
Still, it's no surprise Minnesota is holding out, since even $22 million isn't breaking the bank for a high-end pass rusher. Next year, Jonathan Greenard will play at 29 years old .
Advertisement
It makes sense that he'd want to scoop as many chips as possible, before he's considered "over the hill". Of note, when Greenard's contract expires at the end of the 2027 season, he will be just a few months shy of 30.
Greenard isn't anywhere near the realm of Maxx Crosby and the two first round picks he just landed the Las Vegas Raiders . Nonetheless, he's still a top player at a premium position. Thus, the MN Vikings should demand a premium package to move him.
. @JonGreenard7 chases him down!
📺: @NFLonPrime pic.twitter.com/er6n0nESdw— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) October 24, 2025
Related: MN Vikings Receiving Lots of Calls on New Trade Chip
The Eagles best pass rushers right now are Nolan Smith Jr. and Jaelan Phillips , meaning Greenard would immediately slot in as an every-down starter.
Advertisement
Currently, the MN Vikings have eight picks for April's 2026 NFL Draft and they are expected to get some more via 2025 free agency compensation. If they trade Greenard, it would undoubtedly happen before the draft, so they could add to that total.
Unlike the cap moves made to get compliant , the Minnesota Vikings don't have a deadline to move Greenard. However, the sooner his salary is off the books, the more straightforward reallocating it into the roster becomes.
Related Headlines
