As NFL fans put on their seasonal capologists hats back on entering the dawn of the offseason, the Minnesota Vikings have several names on the chopping block.
Currently needing to clear roughly $40 million in cap space before the start of the new league year, the Vikings will have tough conversations about household favorites like T.J. Hockenson and Aaron Jones. Defensive tackles Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen seem like no-brainers to either be cut or have their contracts reworked after lackluster seasons.
But another name that has surfaced in Pro Bowl edge rusher Jonathan Greenard.
Jonathan Greenard’s Disappointing Season
While Greenard missed five games after landing on season-ending injured reserve, his performance in 12 games this season still paled in comparison to previous years.
After tallying 12.0 sacks last year to earn his first Pro Bowl mention, Greenard managed just 3.0 sacks this season.
Greenard carries a $22.2 million cap hit for the 2026 season. A pre-June 1 release would save $12.3 million in cap space.
Greenard’s performance, contract and the likelihood teams terminate edge rusher contracts early landed him on Over The Cap’s Nick Korte’s annual list of 100 players who are candidates to have their contracts either terminated or restructured to better fit their previous year’s performance.
However, it’s not quite a harbinger that Greenard will be released, but moreso a starting place for teams and a potential list of players who have much to prove next season.
“As always, it is stressed that most players on this list will likely not be cut,” Korte wrote. “There are many mitigating factors as to why players show up on this list. One of course is injury, particularly to players who missed most of the season–although it can also be an aggravating factor if the team determines that injury has made the player unreliable on his contract. Quality of roster depth at the player’s position is another. Teams are also always willing and able to break the trends of contract fate and keep players they think will be helpful for next season’s roster. Common sense needs to be applied as to which players on this list are unlikely to be cut, even if it’s informative to see them on the list.”
Vikings Unlikely to Part Ways With Greenard
When looking at Greenard’s 2024 season, he brought immense surplus value to his contract, posting the second-most pressures (84) in the NFL last season.
Currently, the top 10 edge rushers in the NFL have contracts worth $28 million or more annually. Danielle Hunter‘s deal with the Houston Texans is worth $$35.6 million annually.
Meanwhile, Greenard is earning $19 million per year under his contract, ranking 18th at his position.
Entering the penultimate year of his contract, Greenard will approach the 2026 season as a prove-it year for a potential extension next offseason. He will need another season like he had in 2024 before he can go back to the negotiation table to get a deal more comparable to his performance.
But for now, the Vikings have an upside edge rusher contract that was a catalyst to Brian Flores’ rebuild of the defense.
Greenard is going nowhere.
Vikings Pro Bowler Emerges as Cut Candidate Amid $40 Million Cap Crunch