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Jonathan Greenard holds out from voluntary workouts.

As NFL Draft day one is less than 24 hours away, the rumors and speculation is starting to heat up on the NFL’s trade market. One of the top trade candidates across the board is Minnesota Vikings pass rusher Jonathan Greenard.

Vikings GM Rob Brzezinski recently shed some light on the situation with one of the team’s top pass rushers: “(Greenard) is a great player,” Brzezinski said when speaking to reporters recently. “I expect JG to be here. There’s all this speculation … He’s a really good player and a special person and a leader, and we’re really happy he’s a part of our team.”

As the rumors get louder, one potential landing spot for Greenard is the Philadelphia Eagles, who may be looking for proven pass-rush help instead of taking a flyer on a player in the NFL draft.

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Vikings-Eagles Hypothetical Trade Idea Details

GettyESPN’s Adam Schefter linked the Philadelphia Eagles to edge rusher Jonathan Greenard in a potential NFL Draft trade.

In this trade proposed by Heavy on Sports/Vikings, the Vikings make a league-altering trade with the Eagles, where Philadelphia lands Jonathan Greenard in exchange for a day-two NFL draft pick (pick No. 54).

Jonathan Greenard was a Pro Bowl-level player in 2024, recording 12 sacks and many meaningful stats. However, his trade speculation stems from a down 2025 season, where Greenard started just 10 games and sacked the quarterback three times. He’s a high motor outside linebacker who can occasionally play off the ball as well, but entering year seven, it might be wise for Minnesota to move off him before he demands another payday.

As for the Eagles, they are looking to replace OLB Jaelen Phillips, who departed in NFL free agency. With one of the top defensive tackle groups in the NFL, Philadelphia could use another big body edge rusher to help with the depth of that group.

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Will the Vikings Trade Jonathan Greenard?

If Jonathan Greenard survives the NFL draft period, which is where it makes the most sense for him to be traded, then he’ll likely remain a big part of the Vikings defense.

However, this speculation will likely depend on how many calls the Vikings receive on Jonathan Greenard and how serious the offers are.

The Philadelphia Eagles are the obvious team that needs pass rush help (and are also contenders), but several NFL teams would likely welcome the 6-3, 260-pound linebacker’s services to their defensive line.

Greenard has 38 sacks across six NFL seasons, and had back-to-back 12 sack seasons in 2023 and 2024.

Another facet of this situation is how much of a burden Jonathan Greenard is going to be if he does not get a new contract before the 2026 season. He’s already decided to skip voluntary team workouts, which is fine, but as is the case with many aging NFL players whose primes are past them, Greenard is likely looking for one more pay day.

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