Jonathan Greenard Trade Buzz Suddenly Returns

The Reignition of Greenard’s Trade Sweepstakes

You can thank ESPN for the resurgence of the Greenard trade rumors. Adam Schefter wrote Monday, ‘The Eagles could be making more trades beyond any Brown-related move. League sources say that general manager Howie Roseman is plotting to make a deal on draft weekend. Roseman usually has a trick or two up his sleeve, and other front office executives suspect there’s one coming this week.”

“One possibility is adding Vikings linebacker Jonathan Greenard, whom the Eagles have checked in on at various points this offseason, per sources. Greenard had 12 sacks in 2024, but he managed only three last season over 12 games, despite a solid 23.3% pass rush win rate. The Vikings have been adamant about getting a premium Day 2 pick for Greenard. Philadelphia holds pick Nos. 54, 68 and 98 on Day 2 this year.”

Jeremy Fowler at the same network added, “Vikings prefer to keep Greenard, who wants a new deal. A trade ‘really not something (Minnesota’s) trying to do,’ per source. But trade interest is there, and draft is a natural spot for teams to take another crack.”

Why the Eagles?

Philadelphia has a roster deficiency — for once. Normally, the Eagles’ depth chart is stacked from head to toe, even at this time of the offseason, but that’s just not the case at all right now for outside linebackers.

This is the group as of April 20th:

• Nolan Smith
• Jalyx Hunt
• Josh Tryon-Shoyinka
• Arnold Ebiketie
• Chandler Martin
• Jose Ramirez

They’ve lost Josh Sweat, Brandon Graham, and Jaelan Phillips in recent seasons. Philadelphia must replenish the OLB spot, either via the draft or trade, to remain a serious contender, especially with its offense in doubt. Some have wondered lately whether quarterback Jalen Hurts can handle the passing offense the coaching staff envisions.

A to Z Sports‘ Tyler Forness opined on the idea of Greenard to the Eagles on Monday, “Even with the ability to negotiate with other teams, they didn’t find a contract they liked. With all of that said, a trade could end up manifesting soon. It’s no secret the Eagles have tried to trade for Greenard in the past. He would fit their defensive scheme, run by Vic Fangio, to a T.”

“They also have a major need at edge rusher, which is why they have been connected for so long. It’s evident that Greenard would help the Eagles, but will a trade actually happen? Schefter colleague, Jeremy Fowler, highlighted how the Vikings don’t want to trade Greenard.”

During a Monday press conference, Vikings interim general manager Rob Brzezinski said he planned for Greenard to be a part of the 2026 roster.

Forness added, “This entire situation is a fascinating one to build out over the course of the next few days. The NFL Draft is a pressure cooker, and with picks becoming official players and not ideas, that could happen quickly.”

“If the Vikings end up trading Greenard, it would give them another high draft pick to continue building up the depth of their roster, which is something they desperately need. This will be worth monitoring over the course of the next few days.”

What a Trade Might Look Like

Wondering about the nuts and bolts of what a Greenard trade might resemble. We have them. The first, involving the Eagles’ 23rd overall pick, could shake out like this:

Eagles Get —
Jonathan Greenard
Pick No. 82 (R3)

Vikings Get —
Pick No. 18

A Philadelphia Eagles helmet sits on the sideline, representing the team during game action Nov 10, 2025, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin, as the Eagles face the Packers in a matchup featuring two NFC contenders on a cold-weather stage. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images.

And a deal centered around Philadelphia’s 2nd-Rounder:

Eagles Get —
Jonathan Greenard

Vikings Get —
Pick No. 54

Pretty straightforward. Here’s the method to bank a 2nd-Rounder next year:

Eagles Get —
Jonathan Greenard
Pick No. 163 (R5)

Vikings Get —
Pick No. 106 (R4)
2027 2nd-Rounder

There are options; it’s just a matter of whether the Eagles are willing to offload at least a 2nd-Rounder get the man.

A New Contract Regardless

No matter what happens, some team — either the Vikings, Eagles, or someone else — will pay Greenard. He won’t play in 2026 for $19 million. That number is suddenly insulting. Greenard will probably land an extension worth $30 million to $35 million per season, and that will be that. That’s what he deserves.

Minnesota Vikings linebacker Jonathan Greenard (58) poses during practice activities at the Pro Bowl Games Feb 1, 2025, at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, as NFC players take part in workouts and media sessions ahead of the league’s all-star showcase event. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images.

Then, Greenard must earn his keep, nudging the sack total higher than 3. If he does not, the soon-to-be extension will be the final huge one of his so far illustrious career.

Most Vikings fans would rather the team keep Greenard, but if the right price were offered, perhaps their minds could be changed.

Greenard will turn 29 in about five weeks.