Colts and Super Bowl Contender May Battle for Jonathan Greenard

Indianapolis Colts could trade for Vikings' Jonathan Greenard, but the Philadelphia Eagles may also be interested.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 8:09pm

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A fractured, geometric painting depicting the explosive energy and movement of a football player making a tackle, with sharp planes of color representing the team uniforms.A cubist interpretation of a key defensive play that could decide the battle between the Colts and Eagles for Vikings star pass rusher Jonathan Greenard.Arlington Today

The Indianapolis Colts are in need of bolstering their pass rush after losing Kwity Paye and Samson Ebukam in free agency. One potential target is Vikings linebacker Jonathan Greenard, who is coming off a 12-sack season in 2025 before missing time with a shoulder injury. However, the Colts may have to compete with the Super Bowl contending Philadelphia Eagles to acquire Greenard via trade.

Why it matters

The Colts' defensive edge group was already an underperforming unit in 2025, and losing Paye and Ebukam has left them thin at the position. Acquiring a proven pass rusher like Greenard could be a crucial move to improve their defense and support young edge rusher Laiatu Latu. But the Colts will have to weigh the cost of a trade against their other roster needs at receiver and linebacker.

The details

The Colts are reportedly interested in trading for Greenard, who had 35+ sacks, 60+ TFLs and 8+ forced fumbles over the past three seasons with the Vikings. Minnesota may ask for a second or third-round pick in return. Indianapolis has the cap space to absorb Greenard's $19 million salary, but giving up another high draft pick after trading their first-rounder could be a difficult decision for GM Chris Ballard.

  • In 2025, Greenard logged 3.0 sacks and 47 QB pressures while missing 5 games due to a shoulder injury.
  • Greenard is coming off back-to-back 12+ sack seasons in 2023 and 2024 with the Vikings.

The players

Jonathan Greenard

A linebacker for the Minnesota Vikings who has recorded over 215 tackles, 35 sacks, 60 TFLs and 8 forced fumbles over the past 3 seasons.

Laiatu Latu

A young edge rusher for the Indianapolis Colts who is currently their top option at the position after the departures of Kwity Paye and Samson Ebukam.

Chris Ballard

The general manager of the Indianapolis Colts who will have to weigh the cost of acquiring Greenard against the team's other roster needs.

Shane Steichen

The head coach of the Indianapolis Colts, whose job may be on the line this season and could influence the team's decision to pursue a trade for Greenard.

Philadelphia Eagles

The Super Bowl contending NFC team that may also be interested in trading for Jonathan Greenard.

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What they’re saying

“Parting with a future second-rounder might be difficult, but the Colts do have the cap space to absorb Greenard's contract.”

— Alec Lewis, Analyst

“Indianapolis has young edge rusher Laiatu Latu, but behind him, the depth is questionable.”

— Alec Lewis, Analyst

What’s next

The Colts will have to decide how much they are willing to give up in a trade for Greenard, weighing the cost against their other roster needs. They may have to compete with the Super Bowl contending Eagles for Greenard's services.

The takeaway

The Colts' defensive edge group is in dire need of an upgrade, and acquiring a proven pass rusher like Jonathan Greenard could be a crucial move to improve their defense. However, the cost of the trade and competition from a top NFC contender will make this a difficult decision for the Colts' front office.