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The Minnesota Vikings traded linebacker Jonathan Greenard to the Philadelphia Eagles, receiving two 3rd-Round picks and salary cap relief. Fans are largely supportive of the trade decision.
Minnesota Vikings superfan Lady Lagertha cheers from the stands during Week 5 action in London, bringing energy and purple pride to the international stage on Oct. 6, 2024. The scene captures her spirited support as Minnesota secures a victory over the New York Jets in front of a global crowd. Mandatory Credit: Lady Lagertha.
Along with a throwaway 7th-Round pick, the Minnesota Vikings sent outside linebacker Jonathan Greenard to the Philadelphia Eagles via trade last Friday night, receiving two 3rd-Round picks for their troubles, in addition to some evidently vital salary cap relief. The verdict from fans? There is broad support.
Most fans would take the picks and let the Eagles handle Greenardās next mega-deal.
All told, Greenard lasted two seasons in Minnesota.
The trade was not divisive.

Jonathan Greenard (58) reacts following a defensive sequence, showing emotion during second-quarter action as Minnesota battled , Dec. 1, 2024, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. The linebacker remained active along the edge, contributing pressure and energy as the Vikings worked to contain the Cardinalsā offense in a midseason matchup. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.
The Vikings received two 3rd-Round picks and salary cap relief in exchange for Jonathan Greenard.
Jonathan Greenard played for the Minnesota Vikings for two seasons.
Fans broadly support the trade, favoring the picks and salary cap relief over Greenard's contract.
The Minnesota Vikings traded Jonathan Greenard to the Philadelphia Eagles.
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Fans Offer Verdict on Greenard to PHI
Greenard was a fairly popular player among Vikings fans and a rather productive one, aside from logging just three sacks in 12 games last year. So, to gauge the sentiment from the teamās loyalists, we polled the audience on Twitter (X).
Over 70% approved of the deal:
Most Vikings-themed topics similar to this one drift toward a 60-40 or 50-50 split. Not this one ā folks do not mind that Greenard plays elsewhere.
The Haul So Far and to Come
Extracting two 3rd-Rounders from the Eagles, Minnesota already spent one of the picks ā on safety Jakobe Thomas of Miami. Thomas possesses an NFL-ready physique (6ā1 ā, 211 pounds) and 4.57 speed; his skills are immediately apparent. He demonstrates quick game recognition, consistently finds the ball, and has a proven ability to generate turnovers. Defensive coordinator Brian Flores can deploy him across the field without any drop in performance.
His tackling, however, can be inconsistent, likely contributing to his fall to late Round 3. Should he refine this aspect of his game, his potential is immense. Given he turns 23 this summer, the team probably expects him to contribute quickly, especially with Harrison Smithās future totally up in the air.
The second shoe will drop from the trade in April 2027. The Vikings hold the Eaglesā 2027 3rd-Rounder, which will probably end up being anywhere from the 80th to 96th pick. Of course, if Philadelphia experienced a down year, that pick could land in the 60s or 70s. Fingers crossed.
CBS Sportsā Tyler Sullivan on the Vikingsā end of the trade: āThe Vikings didnāt seem interested in hammering out an extension with Greenard, so the only logical next step was to look to trade him. Two Day 2 picks arenāt exactly a bad return, but they also donāt move the needle much either. They get a top 100 pick in a 2026 NFL Draft that isnāt highly touted, and if Philadelphia plays to its talent caliber next season, the 2027 third will be later in the round in all likelihood.ā
āThat said, Minnesota does have Dallas Turner and Andrew Van Ginkel on the roster to cushion the blow of Greenardās departure, and just added to the defensive line with tackle Caleb Banks in the first round, so the cupboard isnāt bare for Brian Flores. The trade also cleans up their books, clearing up $34 million in space, which canāt be overlooked.ā
Sullivan also assigned the Eagles an āAā grade for the Greenard trade, while Minnesota fetched a āB-.ā
Probably Need an Extra EDGE
Before and after the Greenard trade, the Vikings drafted no outside linebackers and have not signed any pass-rushing free agents. Itās Andrew Van Ginkel, Dallas Turner, Bo Richter, and Tyler Batty at EDGE. Thatās a long way of saying Minnesota probably needs an OLB3 after Van Ginkel and Turner, if only for injury insurance purposes.

Rob Brzezinski speaks during an on-site interview session, joining KFANās Paul Allen and Pete Bercich to discuss roster construction and offseason planning, Feb. 25, 2026, in Indianapolis during the NFL Scouting Combine. The Vikings executive detailed organizational philosophy while addressing current priorities and long-term strategy in a live media setting. Mandatory Credit: YouTube.
The Vikings also signed undrafted free agent CamāRon Stewart from Temple, an āoldā rookie who could make the 53-man roster.
From free agency, these targets make the most sense at OLB3:
Risky Business
Minnesota is āin it to win itā in 2026. Teams donāt sign Kyler Murray, for example, without aspirations of reaching the playoffs and winning the Super Bowl. If Minnesota planned on a reset season or a āwait and seeā approach, it wouldāve rolled with 23-year-quarterback J.J. McCarthy and let him sink or swim.
In that regard, refusing to pay Greenard $100 million over four years is risky business. The serious Super Bowl contenders around the league do whatever it takes to retain and obtain EDGE rushers. The Vikings got rid of their best.

Jonathan Greenard (52) celebrates with teammates after a hard-fought win, raising his arms in excitement following Houstonās victory, Dec. 17, 2023, at Nissan Stadium in Nashville. The defensive end played a key role in the outcome, helping the Texans secure a road win against a division opponent. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports.
Therefore, the aforementioned Turner must turn into a revelation, and you can probably pencil in OLB as the clubās main draft need next offseason.
While the Vikings may not have $100 million lying around for Greenardās extension, finding superb OLB talent isnāt easy.