Jonathan Greenard’s Market Has Changed

Anderson Snatches $150 Million

It’s a monster deal for Anderson. ESPN’s DJ Bien-Aime wrote Friday, “The Texans and All-Pro defensive end Will Anderson Jr. have agreed to a historic three-year, $150 million extension that makes him the highest-paid non-quarterback, a source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Friday. The deal includes $134 million in guaranteed money, the source said.”

“The record extension surpasses the deal given to Packers edge rusher Micah Parsons after Green Bay acquired him from the Dallas Cowboys in August. Parsons signed a four-year, $188 million contract extension that included $120 million fully guaranteed at signing and $136 million in total guarantees. The Texans exercised the 2027 fifth-year option for Anderson on April 8 as doing so was a precursor to the contract extension.”

That’s $50 million annually for Anderson, whereas Greenard earns $19 million.

Greenard’s Guaranteed Money Will Run Out

Greenard has $4 million guaranteed left on his contract, which will be paid out in 2026. After that, it’s anybody’s ballgame. Players usually demand a new deal when their guaranteed money runs out, or in this case, slightly before.

The veteran outside linebacker has basically looked around the lay of the land in the NFL and realized that the EDGE market has passed him. Guys like Anderson are totally dwarfing his salary, with Micah Parsons and Aidan Hutchinson also receiving mega deals in the last year.

The Vikings signed Greenard to a four-year deal in 2024, but, as usual, every non-rookie NFL contract is essentially a two-year agreement. That’s happening now with Greenard. The market just moves too fast.

How Much for Greenard?

Greenard logged just 3 sacks in 12 games last year, so he’s not in an ideal place to request a fat extension. For example, had he accrued 13 sacks instead of 3, extending his deal would be a no-brainer.

Still, Greenard’s pressure numbers suggest he’s a Top 20 outside linebacker, and his agent assuredly agrees.

Minnesota Vikings linebacker Jonathan Greenard (58) fires up teammates following a key defensive stop, injecting energy into the sideline Dec 1, 2024, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota, as Brian Flores’ defense clamps down on the Arizona Cardinals during a second-quarter stretch that shifts control toward Minnesota. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.

With Anderson redefining the market, Greenard is probably asking for $35 million or more per season, give or take. He’ll turn 29 in about one month, making the here and now his last best chance to get a monster deal before he turns 30, when some NFLers take a step back per performance.

A Trade as the Endgame?

Minnesota has publicly stated that it doesn’t want to trade Greenard. Why would it? Most serious teams hoard players of Greenard’s caliber, especially those who rush the passer from the OLB spot. If the Vikings can’t finagle a deal with Greenard, their first step after trading him would be finding an extra outside linebacker in 2026. Keeping Greenard, who doesn’t seem disgruntled in Minnesota, just seems like the simpler path.

Yet, if that is not manageable — his contractual ask may be too steep, for instance — the Vikings reportedly want a 2nd-Round pick for Greenard and should accept nothing less. A team should not sell low on Top 20 EDGE defenders.

Over the past seven weeks, the Philadelphia Eagles and Indianapolis Colts have remained prominent in the Greenard trade rumor mill. If either of those franchises is willing to deal a 2nd-Rounder and then accommodate his large contractual demand, perhaps a trade will come together in the draft.

Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) pushes forward with the ball before being wrapped up by Minnesota Vikings linebacker Jonathan Greenard (58) Jan 5, 2025, at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan, as the two collide during a second-half play with yards after catch contested tightly. Mandatory Credit: David Reginek-Imagn Images.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter wrote Monday, “League sources say the Eagles and Vikings could revisit discussions they already have had during the upcoming draft, but talks have lost steam in recent weeks.”

“The Eagles’ wish list of trade candidates goes well beyond Greenard, per sources, though. Roseman almost always has a Plan A, B, C and D, and his team is one to monitor on one of the busiest weekends of the NFL calendar.”

Our Kyle Joudry added, “Minnesota knows what Philadelphia was willing to pay. It’s very unlikely that Minnesota will back down now by agreeing to a previous low-ball offer. Instead, Philadelphia would need to raise the offer for Mr. Greenard.”

“What that could mean — note: could — is that the Eagles bump up the offer of the No. 98 pick (a late 3rd) to No. 54 or No. 68. Doing so would mean shipping out a 2nd or an earlier 3rd.”

That means a verdict is three or four days away.