Jonathan Greenard Sends Parting Message to Vikings After Eagles Trade
The Minnesota Vikings traded veteran edge rusher Jonathan Greenard to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for two draft picks, as reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter during Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft on Friday night.
Schefter reported that the Eagles immediately signed Greenard to a four-year $100 million extension, including $50 million guaranteed, a price tag that The Athletic’s Alec Lewis relayed was “too steep” for the Vikings and “even for many teams interested in acquiring” Greenard.
Vikings executive vice president of football operations Rob Brzezinski and head coach Kevin O’Connell were “somber” when discussing Greenard with the media after the second and third rounds concluded, per ESPN’s Kevin Seifert.
“We have just spent so much money the last several years that it’s not sustainable for us to move forward,” Brzezinski said. “Our salary cap situation has been very, very challenging.”
Brzezinski added, “This is not something we’re jumping around excitedly about, but we do feel like we do the best thing for the organization moving forward.”
Greenard, 28, expressed a similar sentiment on Saturday.
“Minnesota, I thank y’all for believing and taking a chance on me,” Greenard posted on X. “I thank Kwesi for allowing me to continue to live out my childhood dream. The bonds that I've made in that building will never be broken. Being coached by KO and [defensive coordinator Brian Flores] were one of the best experiences since being in the league. I appreciate and respect the hell outta that organization.”
Greenard continued, “Business is business so it's always love this way. I gave everything I had in the tank for y’all MN. Love. 58 [peace sign emoji].”
Greenard began his NFL career as a third-round pick of the Houston Texans in 2020. He played four seasons in Houston before signing a four-year, $72 million contract with Minnesota during the March 2024 free agency period. His 2024 campaign immediately justified the contract, as he posted four forced fumbles, 12 sacks, 18 tackles for loss, 22 QB hits, and 59 total tackles (41 solo) across 17 regular-season games.
Last season, Greenard was limited to 12 games due to a shoulder injury that required surgery, but he managed to record three sacks, 10 tackles for loss, 12 QB hits, and 38 total tackles (19 solo) when on the field.
To Brzezinski’s point about the Vikings’ salary cap constraints, Greenard’s exit followed Minnesota’s release of veteran defensive linemen Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave on March 11. The Vikings also lost wide receiver Jalen Nailor in free agency, and Nailor signed a three-year, $35 million contract with the Las Vegas Raiders.
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This story was originally published April 25, 2026 at 9:23 PM.