The Minnesota Vikings have made a significant trade, sending outside linebacker Jonathan Greenard to the Philadelphia Eagles. This move happened during Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft. In exchange, the Vikings received a third-round pick in 2026 (98th overall) and another third-round pick for 2027.
Greenard joined the Vikings as a free agent in 2024. Over his two seasons with the team, he made a big impact on their defense under coach Brian Flores. In his first year, he started all 17 games, recording an impressive 12 sacks, 18 tackles for loss, and 22 QB hits. His performance earned him a first-time Pro Bowl selection.
While Greenard’s numbers dipped in 2025, he still remained a key player. Despite missing the last three games with a shoulder injury, he led the team with 47 pressures and achieved a pass rush grade of 77.6 from Pro Football Focus. He finished that season with 38 tackles and 3 sacks.
Before joining the Vikings, Greenard played for the Houston Texans, who selected him in the 2020 draft. His best year in Houston came in 2023 when he tallied 12.5 sacks.
With Greenard’s departure, Dallas Turner is likely to step up in his role. Turner, drafted 17th overall by the Vikings in 2024, showed notable improvement last season, logging 15 quarterback hits and 11 tackles for loss, a significant increase from his rookie year.
The trade comes two years into Greenard’s four-year contract, giving the Vikings some much-needed salary cap space and flexibility for the future.
This was not the only trade for the Vikings that night. They also moved back two spots in the second round before selecting linebacker Jake Golday from Cincinnati as their 51st overall pick. Their activity shows a strategic approach to building a stronger roster.
Overall, this trade signals a new direction for the Vikings while spotlighting the rising talent of players like Dallas Turner.
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