The Minnesota Vikings should sign free-agent pass rusher Jadeveon Clowney following the trade of Jonathan Greenard to the Philadelphia Eagles. This move would address their need for an EDGE3 player without complicating their roster strategy.
Key points
Vikings traded Jonathan Greenard to the Eagles
Need for an EDGE3 player on the roster
Jadeveon Clowney is a free agent
Clowney remains available after seven weeks of free agency
There’s One Guy the Vikings Should Sign, and It’s Not Complicated
Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
The Minnesota Vikings traded Jonathan Greenard to the Philadelphia Eagles on Friday, April 24th, transforming their top roster strength into a spot that needs a little love. And as a straightforward solution, the club should sign free-agent pass rusher Jadeveon Clowney, and call it good.
Minnesota can patch its EDGE3 problem without overthinking the market.
Free agency is seven weeks old, but Clowney remains there for the taking.
A Veteran Pass Rusher Still Makes Sense for Brian Flores
Do the thing, and secure a veteran EDGE — is our formal recommendation.
Jadeveon Clowney looks on during a Cowboys game against the Packers at AT&T Stadium. Jadeveon Clowney Vikings
Jadeveon Clowney watches from the field during second-half action, tracking the flow of play as Dallas faced Green Bay, Sep. 28, 2025, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington. The veteran edge defender remained engaged along the sideline, observing adjustments and situational tendencies in a competitive NFC matchup late in the regular season. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images.
Q&A
Why should the Vikings sign Jadeveon Clowney?
The Vikings should sign Jadeveon Clowney to fill their EDGE3 position after trading Jonathan Greenard, which has created a need on their roster.
What impact did Jonathan Greenard's trade have on the Vikings?
Jonathan Greenard's trade to the Philadelphia Eagles left the Vikings with a gap in their pass rush, necessitating a strategic signing to strengthen their defense.
How long has Jadeveon Clowney been a free agent?
Jadeveon Clowney has been a free agent for seven weeks, remaining available for teams looking to bolster their pass rush.
What are the Vikings' current roster needs?
The Vikings currently need to address their EDGE3 position after the trade of Jonathan Greenard, making it essential to find a suitable replacement.
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The OLB Group without Greenard
Before the draft, Minnesota was all set at outside linebacker. Fans bragged about the room; the depth was sweet. Following Greenard’s exodus, the stakes have changed.
This is the current OLB corps for defensive coordinator Brian Flores:
That is certainly enough human bodies for the regular season roster in four months, but after Batty and Chambliss, it is unclear if Stewart, Botelho, or Walker will be a part of the 53-man fun.
Interim general manager Rob Brzezinski should sign Clowney and plop him at OLB3.
For the 2025 Dallas Cowboys, Clowney played 373 defensive snaps while still managing to bank 8.5 sacks. A starting outside linebacker, for example, could play double that count, which, in theory, would plop Clowney firmly over 15 sacks.
Of course, Minnesota doesn’t need Clowney to start — it has Turner and Van Ginkel for that — but the OLB3 production has the potential to be stellar. Clowney’s next contract should pay him between $5 millon and $8 million per season. He earned about $5.5 million last year.
Jadeveon Clowney stands on the sideline during a Browns game against the Panthers. Jadeveon Clowney Vikings
Jadeveon Clowney (90) stands along the sideline during third-quarter play, monitoring defensive adjustments as Cleveland battled Carolina, Sep. 11, 2022, at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte. The Browns edge rusher stayed active between series, communicating with teammates and coaches while preparing for the next defensive sequence. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports.
ZoneCoverage‘s Trevor Ripley on the Clowney-to-MIN scenario: “Clowney is a savvy vet. Despite being a one-year import, he offers far more skill and experience than Minnesota has at rotational edge. Behind Turner and Andrew Van Ginkel, the next two men up would likely be Tyler Batty and Bo Richter, who have combined for 24 tackles and 0 sacks in their short careers.”
“Batty or Richter could develop into impact players. Still, much like Tai Felton’s case, Batty and Richter still have a ways to go before Brian Flores trusts them with meaningful snaps, especially in the event of a serious injury to a starter. Some project that second-round pick Golday could slide down to edge at times. However, for the low, low price of a few million bucks, Clowney still feels more secure.”
Playoff-Contending Teams Need OLB Depth
The Eagles won the Greenard sweepstakes. Why did they want him? The answer is simple: the NFL’s best teams habitually stockpile EDGE rushers to surge toward the playoffs and Super Bowl. It’s just the way it goes. In fact, the Vikings’ willingness to trade Greenard is a little weird in that regard.
Still, there’s a world where Minnesota threads the needle, unable to afford Greenard, but managing to land a semi-big fish like Clowney as a consolation. It would ease the pain of losing Greenard, and truth be told, Clowney somehow plays fewer snaps in 2026 but records 5.5 sacks.
Jadeveon Clowney warms up on the field before a Panthers preseason game against the Jets. Jadeveon Clowney Vikings
Jadeveon Clowney (7) moves through pregame warmups, loosening up ahead of kickoff as Carolina prepared to face New York, Aug. 17, 2024, at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte. The linebacker worked through drills and positioning exercises, focusing on readiness before taking the field against the Jets in a preseason matchup. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports.
Otherwise, Flores would turn to Richter, Batty, or Stewart, hoping for the best from a player who has never shown sustainable production.
The Non-Clowney Solutions
To be clear, Clowney isn’t the only EDGE option on the wire right now. He’s probably the best, however. After Clowney, the market looks like this:
Those players should start to find new homes in May, as teams evaluate their pass-rushing depth after the draft. Many didn’t get all they wanted at the EDGE spot; that happens.
Clowney turned 33 this offseason and has played for five different teams since the start of 2020. He knows the lay of the land in the NFL.
