Andrew Buller-Russ
When Trey Hendrickson was available in free agency, the Indianapolis Colts showed heavy interest, even reportedly finishing as the runner-up for his services. Of course, the one-time All-Pro pass-rusher ended up signing a four-year, $112 million contract with the Ravens of Baltimore.
That doesn’t mean the Colts’ pursuit of another top pass-rusher to pair with 2024 first-round pick Laiatu Latu has ended. While Hendrickson is clearly no longer available, the Colts have been considering a trade for another Pro Bowl sack artist.
According to The Athletic‘s Vikings insider Alec Lewis, the Colts are one of two teams known to have expressed interest in trading for edge rusher Jonathan Greenard this offseason. Greenard wants a contract adjustment that better aligns his earnings with the current market, which increases each year.
“Indianapolis doesn’t have a first-round pick in 2026 or 2027 after trading both for star cornerback Sauce Gardner. Parting with a future second-rounder might be difficult, but the Colts do have the cap space to absorb Greenard’s contract. Indianapolis has young edge rusher Laiatu Latu, but behind him, the depth is questionable. The Colts signed Arden Key to a mid-tier deal, but their only other edge-rushing option is JT Tuimoloau, who does not have an NFL sack.”
Alec Lewis on Colts/Jonathan Greenard
Yet, from the Vikings’ perspective, Greenard was limited to just 12 games last season, and his sack production dipped from 12 to 3. In other words, they feel like Greenard’s $22.1 million cap hit is more than fair for Greenard, that is, until he can prove he can stay healthy for a full season for just the second time in his six-year career.
Greenard’s contract demands are what have prevented a trade thus far, as other teams have not been willing to meet his asking price, plus the cost of a trade. Lewis indicates that the Vikings surely wouldn’t accept anything less than a Day 2 draft pick in return for one of their best defenders.
In addition to the Colts, the Eagles are another team that has expressed interest in a Greenard trade. Lewis noted that talks could head up closer to the draft, where teams will have a better idea of which prospects will be available when. That could give the Vikings more confidence in navigating a potential trade. Yet, in a perfect world, Greenard would return to Minnesota at his current rate.
Related: NFL Rumors: Green Bay Packers Expected to Trade for Former Top Pick
