With the Minnesota Vikings officially out of the playoff race, the final stretch of the 2025 season isn’t about chasing wins-it’s about evaluating the future. And with edge rusher Jonathan Greenard now sidelined for the rest of the year due to shoulder surgery, that future may be arriving a little faster than expected for second-year pass rusher Dallas Turner.
Greenard’s absence opens the door for Turner to step into a more prominent role over the final three games, and the timing couldn’t be better. The young edge rusher has already shown flashes this season, and now he gets a chance to prove he can be more than just a rotational piece-he can be a long-term solution on the edge.
Turner’s Season So Far: Quietly Productive, Loudly Promising
In 14 games this season, Turner has put together a solid stat line: 54 tackles, including eight for loss, 20 pressures, 5.5 sacks, three pass deflections, and two forced fumbles. Those aren’t just “rookie trying to find his footing” numbers-those are the kind of stats that suggest a player on the rise.
He’s started eight games in 2025, stepping in for both Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel at different points. But it’s when Turner has filled in for Greenard that he’s really looked the part. That’s not a knock on Van Ginkel’s role, but rather a reflection of how Turner’s skill set thrives when he’s given the green light to rush the passer-something he’s more consistently asked to do in Greenard’s absence.
A Three-Game Audition with Real Implications
Now, with Greenard officially out, Turner is staring down a three-game stretch that could shape his trajectory heading into 2026. These aren’t just reps-they’re auditions. The Vikings are in evaluation mode, and Turner is front and center.
If he continues to disrupt the pocket, force turnovers, and show growth in his technique and consistency, he could make a strong case for a starting role next season. And depending on how things shake out, that could have ripple effects beyond just his own playing time.
Cap Crunch Looming: Could Turner’s Rise Impact Greenard’s Future?
Here’s where things get interesting. Greenard carries a sizable cap hit, and the Vikings are projected to be more than $35 million over the salary cap heading into the offseason. Releasing Greenard would free up $12.4 million in space-a significant chunk of change for a team that’s going to need to make some tough financial decisions.
If Turner finishes strong, it could give the Vikings confidence that they already have a capable, cost-controlled replacement in-house. That doesn’t guarantee anything, of course. But in a league where production meets cap flexibility, Turner’s performance over the next three weeks could tip the scales.
What to Watch For
The final three games won’t change the Vikings’ place in the standings, but they could help shape the roster for next season and beyond. For Dallas Turner, this is more than just filling in-it’s a chance to seize the moment, show the coaching staff he’s ready for a bigger role, and potentially shift the team’s offseason calculus.
The opportunity is there. Now it’s up to Turner to take it.