The Jacksonville Jaguars have been a force against the run, but their pass rush needs some serious attention if they want to make a Super Bowl push in 2026. Last season, the Jags recorded just 32 sacks, placing them near the bottom of the league.
Outside of standout Josh Hines-Allen, no other edge rusher managed more than 3.5 sacks. Clearly, there's room for improvement.
Enter the potential game-changer: Jonathan Greenard from the Minnesota Vikings. Recently highlighted by Sports Illustrated's Mike Kadlick as a possible trade target for Jacksonville, Greenard could be the spark the Jags need.
The Vikings are reportedly considering moving Greenard due to salary cap constraints, despite their desire to keep him. Greenard, who inked a four-year, $76 million deal with Minnesota in 2024, showed promise with a strong debut season.
However, injuries limited him to 12 games last year, where he posted just three sacks. A shoulder issue hampered his performance from Week 10 onward, reducing his role and impact.
Despite last season's dip, Greenard's track record is impressive. Over the two years prior, he racked up 24.5 sacks and earned a Pro Bowl selection. It's no surprise the Vikings are open to trading him, given his hefty cap hit and his reported interest in a pay raise.
With only $5.7 million in cap space, the Jaguars face a financial hurdle. However, if GM James Gladstone can maneuver the numbers, acquiring Greenard could be a pivotal move. His addition might just elevate the Jags' defense to championship contention.