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Jonathan Greenard #58 of the Minnesota Vikings walks off the field after the NFL Preseason 2025 game between New England Patriots and Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on August 16, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Patriots defeated the Vikings 20-12. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)

The Minnesota Vikings have been an active team talked about in the NFL rumor mill heading into the 2026 NFL Draft.

With the draft set to begin on Thursday evening, the Vikings have some decisions that need to be made. One of those decisions will have to do with the future of veteran pass rusher Jonathan Greenard.

At 28 years old, Greenard has been a high-level pass rusher throughout much of his NFL career. Last season, he had a bit of a down year recording 38 total tackles to go along with three sacks, a forced fumble, and three defended passes in 12 games.

Prior to last season, Greenard recorded 12 sacks and four forced fumbles in 2024 and had a 12.5-sack season in 2023 with the Houston Texans. He’s more than capable of being a borderline No. 1 pass rusher in the right situation.

Keeping that in mind, he has become a potential trade candidate ahead of the NFL Draft.

Vikings Trade Pitch Would Send Jonathan Greenard to NFC Opponent

Should Minnesota decide to trade Greenard away, there are quite a few teams who could make sense.

One team that hasn’t been discussed a lot is the Carolina Panthers. After making an aggressive move to sign Jaelan Phillips in NFL free agency, the Panthers could double down on improving their pass rush by trading for the Vikings’ pass rushing linebacker.

What could a potential trade between the two teams look like? Let’s take a look at one possible scenario that could make sense.

Carolina could trade the No. 51 overall pick in the second round of the NFL Draft to Minnesota in exchange for Greenard. That move would allow the Panthers to use their first-round pick on another position of need, while giving the Vikings extra draft capital to improve as well.

It’s one possibility, although there are many different directions Minnesota could choose to go.

What Would the Vikings Be Losing If They Trade Greenard?

Obviously, the numbers speak for themselves. Greenard is more than capable of being a 10-plus sack player each and every year.

However, the fact of the matter is that the Vikings are unlikely to spend the kind of money it will take to sign Greenard to a contract extension. That is why his name has become a popular trade chip for Minnesota.

At this point in time, Greenard has two years left on his current deal. The Vikings do not have to trade him just to make a move. His value is likely at its highest point right now.

Only time will tell whether or not Minnesota will decide to move Greenard. He’s a name worth keeping a very close eye on as the 2026 NFL Draft gets underway.

Carolina may not have interest in trading for him. But, if they do, the move could make a lot of sense for both parties and would give Greenard a chance to be a part of an up-and-coming potential contender in the NFC.