The Jonathan Greenard Trade Still Needs a Follow-Up

Minnesota Vikings linebacker Jonathan Greenard celebrates after sacking Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud during third-quarter action at U.S. Bank Stadium on Sep. 22, 2024, in Minneapolis. The play sparked energy across the defense and crowd as Greenard disrupted Houston’s rhythm in a pivotal early-season matchup. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images

Now with more than $16 million in cap space, the Vikings have some room to maneuver. Unfortunately, free agency has already had its frenzy, so there aren’t a ton of options left. The Vikings could (and should) go sign a WR3 with some notoriety. Pairing another option behind Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison to help Kyler Murray makes sense. They’ll also have to pay the class, and potentially Smith if he returns.

At any rate, fans aren’t going to want to see a team quarterbacked by Murray drop Greenard in a salary dump. Thomas was a nice addition, but the financial considerations must be reallocated as well. This is a cap space, and it’s not an ownership group run by the Pohlad’s.

Jan 13, 2025; Glendale, AZ, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Jonathan Greenard (58) receives a postgame handshake from Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) after their NFC wild card matchup at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.

Moving Greenard, and at that value, was defensible. Doing nothing in the wake of it is not.