The New England Patriots need a talented edge defender to help take their defense to the next level. And many expect them to address this in the draft.
However, one talented player just became available that the Patriots should certainly be inquiring about.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on Tuesday that the Minnesota Vikings are “open to trading outside linebacker Jonathan Greenard as they work through a salary cap deficit that could have a wide-ranging impact on their roster.”
Greenard has two seasons remaining on the four-year deal he signed in 2024, set to carry a $22.15 million cap number in 2026. However, with a trade, the Vikings would save $12 million in cap space. While Schefter further reported that the Minnesota “want to keep Greenard,” they are trying to “eliminate that cap deficit,” which has led to trade talks.
Greenard spent the first four years of his career with the Houston Texans before signing with the Vikings in 2024. In his first season with Minnesota, the edge defender recorded 12.5 sacks and was named to the Pro Bowl. However, he dealt with a shoulder injury this last season that required season-ending surgery.
Plus, the Patriots got a good look at Greenard last summer when the Vikings came to Gillette Stadium for joint practices, so they know what he’s capable of.
Eliot Wolf, Mike Vrabel Addressed The Need For An Edge Defender At 2026 NFL Combine
GettyEliot Wolf
While this is a trade New England should certainly be looking into, they are also expected to address the need for an edge defender in the draft.
“I think this draft offers a lot of different depth at varying areas, edge (defender) being one of them,” executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf said. “I think it’s a fairly deep class at that position that’s obviously an area of need for our team, so it matches up nicely.”
Mike Vrabel also spoke about the talented players in the draft.
“We’ve met with a bunch of edge players,” the head coach stated. “There’s depth there. So, we’ll continue to work our way across the board and enjoy these meetings, and I’ll have to go back and continue to watch.”
Another Talented Defender Will Explore Free Agency
GettyTrey Hendrickson
The Cincinnati Bengals made the decision not to tag defensive end Trey Hendrickson, so he will now become a free agent. He was injured for much of the 2025 season, finishing with 16 tackles and four sacks across seven games, but he has shown promise and the ability to make a major impact in games.
Recently, the Patriots were named one of two potential landing spots for the edge defender, alongside the Colts.
“Hendrickson, who has 39 sacks combined over the past three seasons, could see a short-term deal from a Super Bowl contender that averages more than $35 million per season,” Sports Illustrated’s Gilberto Manzano wrote. “Maybe something similar to what the Texans have done with 31-year-old Danielle Hunter, who’s on his second short-term deal with the team.”
In their notes from the NFL Combine, MassLive also noted Hendrickson as a name to watch, as he has “quite a few admirers inside Gillette Stadium of both players.”
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