The Minnesota Vikings initially wanted to keep Jonathan Greenard on the roster for next season. However, it appears the club has changed its mind for one key reason.
Reports indicate that the Vikings are now open to trading the 28-year-old edge rusher, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. He claims that the franchise would still like to keep Greenard in Minnesota, but the salary cap issue is why the front office is now shopping the 2024-25 Pro Bowler.
“Vikings are now open to trading Pro Bowl edge rusher Jonathan Greenard, per sources. They would like to keep Greenard, but they also have salary cap issues they're working through that have led to these trade conversations.”
Greenard is in the third year of his four-year, $76 million contract. The Vikings do have an out on his deal this offseason, as his dead cap hit would only be $9.9 million. Minnesota seemingly hopes to find a trade partner to at least get something in return for letting the six-year veteran go. However, there is a chance he ends up being released by the club.
Jonathan Greenard played 12 games for the Vikings this last season, as he was forced to miss five games due to a shoulder injury. He is expected to undergo surgery to repair the shoulder this offseason, but will likely be fully healthy by the start of the 2026-27 campaign.
The Vikings star struggled a bit getting to the quarterback this past season in comparison to the rest of his career. Greenard ended the year with 38 combined tackles (19 solo), three sacks, and one forced fumble.
