The Philadelphia Eagles, like many teams at this stage of free agency, have been relatively quiet. However, they could shake things up by pursuing a trade for Minnesota Vikings pass-rusher Jonathan Greenard. Greenard has been swirling in trade rumors, as he seeks a "market correction" on his four-year, $76 million contract signed in 2024.
The Eagles have emerged as a top contender for Greenard, according to Alec Lewis of The Athletic. But Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell's recent comments at the NFL league meetings in Arizona have added a twist to the narrative.
“I expect him to be part of our team,” O’Connell stated, acknowledging ongoing conversations but leaving the door slightly ajar for a potential trade. Greenard, a standout pass-rusher, had a challenging year with three sacks and 47 pressures, but his 2024 performance was stellar, boasting 12 sacks and ranking high among edge rushers.
Despite his value, the Vikings might consider trading Greenard, especially with the backdrop of lucrative contracts like Jaelan Phillips’s $120 million deal with the Panthers and Odafe Oweh’s $96 million contract with the Commanders. Greenard, along with his agent Drew Rosenhaus, is likely eyeing a similar payday.
For the Eagles, acquiring Greenard would mean a steep price. The Vikings would demand significant compensation, and with Greenard potentially seeking a contract in the $30 to $40 million range, the financial commitment would be substantial. Minnesota has previously navigated similar situations with short-term solutions, suggesting they might wait for a compelling offer.
The Eagles could leverage assets to secure Greenard, possibly involving future draft picks, but they must weigh the cost against their long-term strategy. O’Connell’s comments might be a strategic move to drive up offers, or they could signal a pivot point for the Eagles to explore other options to bolster their pass rush.