The Minnesota Vikings traded away Jonathan Greenard on Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft. In return, they received 2026 and 2027 third round selections. Thus, Dallas Turner is now a starting edge rusher in the Twin Cities.
Dallas Turner was drafted 17th overall by Minnesota in the 2024 NFL Draft. It was quite the shock, seeing as all the talk surrounding the Vikings that year was regarding a QB. Minnesota did end up drafting J.J. McCarthy, but many thought the Vikings would have to use both first round picks they had that year to trade up.
Minnesota did technically trade up for McCarthy, though it was only one spot to secure McCarthy. The major trade up actually came when Minnesota went from 23rd to 17th to acquire Dallas Turner. Minnesota sent Jacksonville 23rd overall and 167th overall in 2024, as well as 3rd and 4th rounders in 2025 to move up.
Now going into Turner’s third year, he has received a big-time career message.
Vikings’ Dallas Turner Named Next ‘Great’ Edge Rusher
GettyMINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – DECEMBER 25: Dallas Turner #15 of the Minnesota Vikings is congratulated by Harrison Smith #22 after a tackle against the Detroit Lions during the fourth quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 25, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
Pro Football Focus recently released a piece detailing the next great NFL player at each position. At edge rusher, the Minnesota Vikings would be pleased to see that they went with Dallas Turner.
“Turner’s first two seasons with the Vikings haven’t seen him become an outward star. That could look different in 2026.
The former 17th overall pick finished with 65.5 and 64.1 overall PFF grades in 2025 and 2024, respectively. But last year was a step in the right direction, as Turner accrued a 70.2 PFF pass-rush grade with 42 pressures and a 12.0% pass-rush win rate.
With Jonathan Greenard now on the Eagles, Turner has a clear runway to both meaningful playing time and improved production for Minnesota.”
Turner now has the major opportunity to truly turn it on and make a name for himself in the NFL. He will be starting across from Andrew Van Ginkel, filling in the void for Jonathan Greenard.
The former Alabama defender will have a decision made on his fifth-year option next offseason, and has two seasons to put on a show in order to get a big-time pay day.
Minnesota Signs Former 49ers WR Jauan Jennings
GettyJauan Jennings #15 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts after a touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams during the third quarter at Levi’s Stadium on November 09, 2025 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Adam Schefter shared the news on X.
Vikings’ Dallas Turner Gets Major Career Message