As the Minnesota Vikings continue to slash costs to meet their salary cap demands, the team is reportedly open to trade defensive star Jonathan Greenard this offseason. In time for free agency season, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that the Vikings are looking to trade Greenard, and once they do before June 1, they will save about $12.25 in salary cap space. Greenard is coming off a season where he battled a shoulder injury, but still posted 3.0 sacks during the 2025 regular season. Before that, the linebacker has been an integral piece to the team’s defense, posting back-to-back seasons with at least 12 sacks.
Originally selected in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft, the former Florida product began his career with the Houston Texans. Unfortunately, the linebacker never made a name for himself in a Texans defense that is now exploding, and joined the Vikings in 2024, signing a four-year, $76 million contract. However, the team is looking for ways to save money, which means they’re preparing to put themselves in a position to rebuild.
Despite the injuries, Greenard is expected to have a strong market now that he’s available. The star could likely be released if trade talks stall and the team can’t find a trade partner. Aaron Jones, Javon Hargrave and likely tight end TJ Hockenson will soon be let go during the offseason, which would make Greenard the latest Viking to be granted a chance to head where he wants. While he still has a high-cost contract, these three teams are likely to wait before making a decision on him.
Vikings are now open to trading Pro Bowl edge rusher Jonathan Geeenard, 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. pic.twitter.com/kLRO73aFOz
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 3, 2026
Vikings “Open” to Trade Jonathan Greenard; 3 Possible Landing Spots
Potential Destinations
Los Angeles Chargers
If anyone is in deep need of an edge rush, it’s the Los Angeles Chargers. It’s been reported that the team hasn’t indicated that they’re bringing back Odafe Oweh after trading for him during the 2025 campaign. Now, Khalil Mack is returning for one more season, but he’s exploring all options on the table. The Chargers lost defensive coordinator Jesse Minter to the Baltimore Ravens, who has been a huge part of this team’s success.
Meanwhile, the team does not plan to be aggressive come free agency, which would be another disappointing offseason for Chargers fans. The Chargers have to do something here to improve the defense and maximize Justin Herbert’s chances since he’s in his prime. Greenard won’t fix the woes of this defense overnight, but his leadership would be needed to help Teair Tart’s edge rush alongside him to get after the quarterback.
Washington Commanders
The Commanders are another team that needs an edge, but they’re currently in rebuild mode. After firing Joe Whitt and Kliff Kingsbury, the team hasn’t done much to show any indication that Von Miller and Bobby Wagner will return, two starting linebackers who have been somewhat solid edge pieces for this defense. The Commanders are getting younger, but someone like Greenard could put them ahead of the NFC competition, similar to what the Eagles did when they traded for Jaelan Phillips last season.
Baltimore Ravens
For the Ravens, this trade would be a no-brainer. After trading Oweh to the Chargers last season, the team needs more veteran presence in its edge rush. Defensive lineman Dre’Mont Jones was the latest acquisition to improve this defense, and retaining guys like Travis Jones to build a sustainable front. However, since Kyle Van Noy is getting too old, the team could trade Mike Green or another promising rookie to the Vikings to bring in Greenard, since the Ravens are in “win now” mode.