The Dallas Cowboys made a strategic move yesterday by trading Osa Odighizuwa and Solomon Thomas, clearing a path for some exciting defensive upgrades. Jerry Jones now has a prime opportunity to bolster the Cowboys' defense with a splashy acquisition.
Enter Jonathan Greenard, the Minnesota Vikings' star edge rusher. The Vikings are reportedly open to trading Greenard for a Day 2 pick, a possibility that opened up for Dallas after sending Odighizuwa to San Francisco.
While the Cowboys' second-round pick for 2026 was traded in the Quinnen Williams deal, and their original third-round pick is with the Steelers from the George Pickens trade, they did acquire a 2026 third-rounder from the 49ers. This pick could be the key to landing Greenard.
With dreams of acquiring Maxx Crosby fading, Greenard presents a practical and impactful alternative for the Cowboys, who are in need of dynamic pass-rushers. The absence of Micah Parsons is still felt, but Greenard, at 28, offers a youthful boost to the defense.
Over the 2023 and 2024 seasons, Greenard racked up impressive stats: 24.5 sacks, 33 tackles for loss, and 44 quarterback hits. Despite a shoulder injury limiting him to 12 games last season, he still ranked seventh in the NFL with a 13.5 percent pressure rate, according to ESPN.
Greenard seamlessly stepped into Danielle Hunter's shoes in Minnesota, but with the Vikings looking to Dallas Turner as their future pass rush leader, Greenard's availability is a golden opportunity for the Cowboys.
Imagine a defensive line featuring Greenard alongside Williams, Kenny Clark, and Donovan Ezeiruaku. It's a formidable lineup for Christian Parker to work with in his debut season. Trading Odighizuwa might sting, but acquiring Greenard would more than compensate.
The urgency is heightened by the fact that the Eagles have already shown interest in Greenard and are exploring a contract extension. The Cowboys can't afford to let this star pass rusher slip away to a division rival.