Despite facing salary cap constraints, the Minnesota Vikings have been active so far this offseason. The front office knew is needed to find a solution at the quarterback position, which led to Kyler Murray being brought to town to compete with J.J. McCarthy for the starting job. Right now, the Vikings’ full focus is on the 2026 NFL Draft, but it also sounds like they are looking to make some moves on the trade market.
For much of the offseason, Minnesota has been exploring trades for star pass rusher Jonathan Greenard, but to this point, nothing has materialized. That could change in an instant once the draft gets underway, which led general manager Rob Brzezinski to address Greenard’s trade status now that the rumors are beginning to heat back up again.
Rob Brzezinski Addresses Jonathan Greenard’s Trade Status
Greenard has made it known this offseason that he is looking for a new contract, but that is something that the Vikings are not currently equipped to give him. It’s also worth noting that Greenard is coming off a down year by his standards, as he finished with 38 tackles and just three sacks in 12 games of action.
In 2024, Greenard picked up 59 tackles and 12 sacks in 17 games, which helped him earn the first Pro Bowl selection of his career. So while he struggled last season, it’s clear that he still has the potential to be one of the top pass rushers in the league, which has appealed to several teams across the NFL, including the Philadelphia Eagles.
Rumors surrounding Greenard’s trade status have picked up ahead of the draft, leading many to wonder if his time with the team could be coming to an end. When asked about Greenard, though, Brzezinski shot down the trade rumors that are swirling around him, saying that the Vikings are thrilled to have him on their roster.
“(Greenard) is a great player,” Brzezinski said when speaking to reporters recently. “I expect JG to be here. There’s all this speculation … He’s a really good player and a special person and a leader, and we’re really happy he’s a part of our team.”
Should the Vikings Trade Jonathan Greenard?
GettyMINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – NOVEMBER 09: Jonathan Greenard #58 of the Minnesota Vikings looks on during warmups before the game against the Baltimore Ravens at U.S. Bank Stadium on November 09, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
If Greenard is going to be a distraction for the Vikings as they ramp up for the 2026 campaign, it makes sense to unload him before the situation spirals out of control. Greenard has already not shown up for the team’s voluntary offseason workouts, which seems to be an indication of what he will do if he remains in Minnesota without a new contract.
Brzezinski is likely just trying to create leverage in any of the team’s trade talks involving Greenard, as they have clearly explored moves for him this offseason. There’s no doubt that there is interest in his services across the league, and with the draft under 48 hours away, Greenard’s status bears watching, as he could find himself with a new team in the very near future.
Vikings GM Shares Update on Jonathan Greenard Trade Situation Before Draft