The Minnesota Vikings have some clear objectives this offseason. The first thing to do is clear up cap space. Right now, they're $40 million over the 2026 spending limit. While cutting or trading Aaron Jones and/or Javon Hargrave could provide some cap relief, more work needs to be done.
One area the Vikings have almost too much depth is the pass-rusher position. Now they may be willing to thin the herd to improve their salary cap sheet, even if it means trading one of their best players.
According to ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter, the Vikings are "open" to trading edge rusher Jonathan Greenard. However, Schefter reports that the Vikings "would like to keep Greenard." However, the salary cap issue has prompted some trade discussion. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler says teams he has talked to are operating under the belief that the Vikings want a second-day draft pick for Greenard.
Even with the emergence of Dallas Turner as well as the presence of second-team All-Pro Andrew Van Ginkel, it's surprising if the Vikings would even listen to trade offers on Greenard. She was essentially a replacement for Danielle Hunter's departure in free agency two seasons ago. But this was before Van Ginkel became a Pro Bowler, and before they selected Turner in the first round.
Greenard performed strongly in Minnesota, producing 12 sacks and earning a trip to the Pro Bowl after signing a four-year, $76 million contract. He is still under contract for two more seasons and has a cap hit of $22.1 million in 2026.
The 28-year-old battled a shoulder injury and was limited to 10 starts and 12 appearances, recording three sacks in the process. If the Vikings are considering a Greenard trade, it would naturally create an even bigger role for Turner, but it would leave the Vikings a little weaker on the edge.
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