Vikings Suddenly Hold Major Leverage
The trade market for Jonathan Greenard just took a dramatic turn — and it could benefit the Minnesota Vikings in a big way.
Last week, the Minnesota Vikings seemingly placed 2024 Pro Bowler Greenard on the trade block. Greenard is reportedly seeking a raise, and the franchise has begun listening to trade offers rather than committing to a pricier extension.
Seahawks reporter Corbin K. Smith revealed last week on social media, “Re: Vikings pass rusher Jonathan Greenard… I’m told by a reporter with inside knowledge of the team that Minnesota has received inquiries from ‘half the league,’ including #Seahawks. He’s going to be in demand, but sounds like a second-rounder and Day 3 pick is the sweet spot.”
With half the league interested, there shouldn’t be a shortage of suitors even after free agency. Though some might have closed that void with an incoming veteran, others should still be out there. On Tuesday, the Baltimore Ravens entered the race after shockingly backing out of their trade for Maxx Crosby.
ESPN’s Ryan McFadden wrote, “The Las Vegas Raiders announced Tuesday that the Ravens have backed out of a trade agreement that would’ve sent All-Pro defensive end Maxx Crosby to Baltimore in exchange for two first-round picks. No further details were provided in the Raiders’ announcement, but league sources told ESPN the Ravens backed out because of medical concerns that arose during a physical.”
Presumably, the Ravens need someone else who can get after the quarterback and there aren’t many better at it than Greenard. Baltimore was willing to part ways with not just one but two first-round picks. Crosby is viewed as a better player, but Greenard is still worth reasonable compensation.
A 2024 free agent signing, Greenard has certainly lived up to expectations through two years.
In his first season in purple, Greenard sacked opposing passers 12 times, and he added 59 tackles (18 tackles for loss) and 22 QB hits. In the regular season, Greenard ranked third among edge defenders in QB pressures with 80 and first in QB hurries with 59.
His second season wasn’t as dominant, but still solid when healthy. His shoulder injury cost him five games, and he wasn’t at his best in some others, but he played through the issue until the club was eliminated. Greenard recorded 3 sacks, 47 pressures, and 36 hurries. His pass-rush win-percentage was comparable to 2024.
The Ravens join the Philadelphia Eagles and several other contenders still searching for pass-rush help, expanding a market that was already forming for Minnesota’s top defender. A trade becomes more realistic with every new team that joins the bidding.
Of course, the Vikings could still just opt to keep their top rusher in the building and find a compromise with his salary. The club has enough holes to fill; opening another might not be the smartest idea.
Baltimore’s unexpected withdrawal from the Crosby deal adds a fascinating new wrinkle to the situation. Teams rarely back out of trades involving elite players unless a serious concern emerges, and the ripple effect could be felt across the entire pass-rusher market. Contenders who miss on premier names often pivot quickly, and Greenard now sits near the top of the remaining options available via trade.
That dynamic puts Minnesota in a favorable position. Front offices around the league understand that quality edge rushers are scarce, especially ones in their prime who have already proven they can thrive in multiple defensive schemes. Greenard’s blend of production, durability, and versatility makes him attractive to playoff-caliber teams that feel one defensive piece away from serious contention.
If the Ravens truly enter the mix, the Vikings could see negotiations accelerate. Additional bidders not only increase leverage but can also spark urgency among interested teams. Minnesota doesn’t necessarily have to force a move — patience alone could raise the price.
And if offers fall short of expectations, keeping Greenard remains a perfectly viable outcome for a defense that still revolves around disrupting quarterbacks.
Editor’s Note: Information from PFF, Over The Cap, and Sports Reference helped with this article.