Andrew Buller-Russ
The Minnesota Vikings have a few clear objectives this offseason. First up is clearing cap space. Right now, they’re over the 2026 spending limit by $40 million. While some cap relief could come from either cutting or trading Aaron Jones and/or Javon Hargrave, more work needs to be done.
One area the Vikings do have almost a wealth of depth is at the pass-rusher position. Now they may be willing to thin out the herd to improve their salary cap sheet, even if it means trading one of their best players.
According to ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter, the Vikings are “open” to trading edge rusher Jonathan Greenard. Though, Schefter reports the Vikings “would like to keep Greenard.” However, the salary cap trouble has spurred some trade discussion. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler adds that the teams he’s spoken to are operating under the belief that the Vikings want a Day 2 draft pick for Greenard.
Meanwhile, Sports Illustrated‘s Albert Breer indicates Greenard is seeking a “market correction to his contract.” However, the Vikings are “comfortable” with paying him the $19 million he’s owed for the upcoming season.
Even with the emergence of Dallas Turner, plus the presence of second-team All-Pro Andrew Van Ginkel, it’s surprising that the Vikings would listen to trade offers on Greenard too. He was essentially the replacement for Danielle Hunter’s departure in free agency two offseasons ago. But that was before Van Ginkel became a Pro Bowler, and before they selected Turner in the first round.
Greenard burst out onto the scene in Minnesota, generating 12 sacks and earning a trip to the Pro Bowl after signing a four-year, $76 million contract. He’s still under contract for two more seasons and has a cap hit of $22.1 million in 2026.
The 28-year-old fought through a shoulder injury while being limited to 10 starts and 12 appearances, recording three sacks in the process. If the Vikings are considering a Greenard trade, it would naturally lead to an even bigger role for Turner, but it would also leave the Vikings a bit thin at edge rusher.
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