Vikings Open to Trading Former Pro Bowl Edge Rusher

Jaguars could be a potential landing spot for Jonathan Greenard if Minnesota makes him available.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 12:33pm

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The Minnesota Vikings are reportedly open to trading edge rusher Jonathan Greenard this offseason due to salary cap constraints. Greenard, a former Pro Bowler, is coming off an injury-plagued 2025 season but has been a consistent pass-rushing threat in the past. The Jacksonville Jaguars, who struggled to generate consistent pressure last season, could be an ideal trade partner if they can make the finances work.

Why it matters

The Jaguars finished tied for the sixth-fewest sacks in the NFL last season, so adding a proven edge rusher like Greenard could significantly bolster their pass rush and help them take the next step towards contending for a Super Bowl. However, the Vikings' reported desire for Greenard to receive a raise could complicate a potential trade given the Jaguars' limited salary cap space.

The details

Greenard, 28, signed a four-year, $76 million contract with the Vikings in 2024 and had a solid debut season with the team. However, he was limited to just 12 games in 2025 due to a shoulder injury that impacted his production, recording only 3 sacks. Prior to that, Greenard had been a consistent pass-rushing force, tallying 24.5 sacks over the 2023 and 2024 seasons, which led to a Pro Bowl selection. The Vikings are reportedly open to trading Greenard due to salary cap "issues" and his desire for a raise.

  • Greenard signed a four-year, $76 million contract with the Vikings in the spring of 2024.
  • In the 2025 season, Greenard played in just 12 games due to a shoulder injury.

The players

Jonathan Greenard

A 28-year-old edge rusher who has been a consistent pass-rushing threat in the NFL, making the Pro Bowl in 2023. He is currently under contract with the Minnesota Vikings but the team is reportedly open to trading him due to salary cap constraints.

James Gladstone

The general manager of the Jacksonville Jaguars, who could explore acquiring Greenard to bolster their pass rush.

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What they’re saying

“The Vikings are open to trading Johnathan Greenard this offseason. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Minnesota would reportedly like to retain the edge rusher, but salary cap 'issues' have caused the team to consider moving on.”

— Mike Kadlick, Sports Illustrated Analyst

What’s next

The Jaguars will need to determine if they can make the finances work to acquire Greenard from the Vikings, given their limited salary cap space. If they can, he could be a valuable addition to their pass rush as they look to take the next step towards contending for a Super Bowl.

The takeaway

This potential trade highlights the difficult salary cap decisions teams must make, even with talented players under contract. For the Jaguars, acquiring Greenard could be a game-changing move, but they'll have to get creative with their finances to make it happen.