jonathan greenard is emerging as a top trade target after the Philadelphia Eagles made contact with the Minnesota Vikings about a possible deal. The outreach comes as teams that were pursuing Trey Hendrickson pivot to other pass-rush options, with Hendrickson now off the board. As of 11: 00 AM ET, multiple teams are being linked to interest in a move that could hinge on draft compensation and a potential new contract.
Why jonathan greenard is suddenly the pivot point
With Trey Hendrickson agreeing to a four-year, $112 million deal that can reach $120 million with incentives, the market shifted quickly. The new focus has turned to Jonathan Greenard, and the Eagles are among the teams engaged with the Vikings about his availability.
The Eagles’ interest comes amid a continuing search for edge help. For now, Jalyx Hunt and Nolan Smith Jr. are slated to be the Eagles’ starting edge rushers, and they combined for 9. 5 sacks in 2025. The Eagles have been described as strongly pondering a move for a Pro Bowl edge rusher, and contact with Minnesota has put Greenard directly in the center of that push.
Trade price, cap pressure, and the contract complication
The Vikings have been connected to the idea of moving Greenard this offseason while dealing with cap constraints, and the asking price has been framed as at least a Day 2 pick. Another framing of the market has several teams—specifically the Colts, Cowboys, Eagles, and Seahawks—figuring to be in the mix, with a price described as a 2026 Day 2 pick.
On the player side, a contract layer is already part of the conversation. The Eagles have been in contact with Greenard’s agent about a potential new contract should a trade go through. Greenard reportedly wants a new deal after signing a four-year, $76 million contract with Minnesota as a free agent in 2024.
Minnesota’s position is tied to recent production. The Vikings are not interested in giving Greenard a raise after he recorded three sacks in 10 games last season. Those competing pressures—Greenard’s desire for a new deal and the Vikings’ reluctance to increase pay—keep the trade scenario alive.
Immediate reactions and where the roster chess stands
Dianna Russini, NFL insider at The Athletic, said the Eagles have been in contact with the Vikings about a trade for edge rusher Jonathan Greenard. That contact has also extended to Greenard’s representation, signaling the Eagles are thinking beyond acquisition cost and into long-term fit.
The Eagles’ need is straightforward: they are still looking for an edge rusher. With Hendrickson no longer available, the focus narrows, and Jonathan Greenard becomes one of the clearest names tied to a realistic pathway—if the compensation and contract elements align.
From Minnesota’s perspective, the roster includes other edge options. The Vikings also have Andrew Van Ginkel and Dallas Turner at the edge rusher position, a detail that adds context to why a trade is being discussed at all.
Quick context and what’s next
Greenard is two years into a four-year, $76 million contract with the Vikings and has a $19 million salary for 2026. He earned the first Pro Bowl of his career in 2024 and has recorded 97 total tackles, 34 QB hits, and 15 sacks in his two seasons in Minnesota.
Next developments will center on whether the Eagles (or another team in the mix) is willing to meet the Day 2 pick threshold and whether a new contract can be negotiated in tandem. As of 11: 00 AM ET, the situation remains fluid, with jonathan greenard positioned as the primary pivot target after Hendrickson’s departure from the market.
