As NFL free agency approaches, former Pro Bowl pass rusher Jonathan Greenard could be on the move amid the Minnesota Vikings’ significant salary cap challenges. Despite the Vikings’ preference to keep Greenard, their current cap situation and contract commitments are pushing them to consider trading the defensive end, who signed a four-year, $76 million deal earlier this year and has two years remaining on that contract.
Greenard emerged as a key defensive player for Minnesota after signing from the Houston Texans, earning his first Pro Bowl nod following a strong debut season with 12 sacks. However, his production dipped to three sacks last year, partly due to a shoulder injury that sidelined him for five games and required surgery. Given Greenard’s experience and potential impact, teams looking to boost their pass rush could see him as a valuable addition.
Teams Exhibiting Interest in Acquiring Jonathan Greenard
Multiple franchises may view Greenard as a solution to their pass-rushing needs, combining his veteran presence with a roster gap. Here are five teams that could realistically pursue a trade for Greenard as they prepare for the 2026 campaign.
Baltimore Ravens’ Pursuit of Defensive Reinforcements
The Baltimore Ravens stand out as a strong candidate for Greenard due to their pressing need for an established pass rusher and available salary cap space. The team could potentially offer young players or draft capital in exchange, with Mike Green—a 2025 second-round pick who recorded 3.5 sacks in his rookie year—mentioned as a possible trade asset. The Ravens are determined to capitalize on the prime years of Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry, making the addition of a proven edge rusher like Greenard a strategic priority.
San Francisco 49ers Seeking Pass Rush Depth Behind Stars
The San Francisco 49ers struggled significantly in quarterback pressures last season, finishing with only 20 sacks, the lowest in the league by a wide margin. Injuries to Nick Bosa, who missed much of 2025 due to an ACL tear, contributed to this deficit. Although Bosa is expected to return fully recovered, the team would likely benefit from added depth at the edge position. Greenard could provide reliable support behind Bosa and promising 2025 first-round pick Mykel Williams, who also missed substantial time due to injury.
Los Angeles Chargers Preparing for Potential Departures
The Chargers boasted one of the NFL’s stronger pass-rushing groups last year, but the looming possibility of losing key players Khalil Mack, Odafe Oweh, and Da’Shawn Hand in free agency presents a challenge. Adding Greenard would help replace Hand’s role and preserve the pass rush’s effectiveness, especially replicating the impact once provided by Mack. This acquisition would be both a defensive necessity and a clear upgrade for the Chargers’ lineup.
Cincinnati Bengals Looking to Boost Defensive Impact
Although traditionally cautious with major mid-season moves, the Cincinnati Bengals could be motivated to trade for Greenard given their substantial salary cap flexibility and need for defensive improvement. The team stands to lose top pass rushers Trey Hendrickson and Joseph Ossai in free agency, and adding Greenard would address those gaps immediately. Despite investing heavily in offensive skill players, Cincinnati’s defense has often limited their playoff runs, making this trade a possible game changer for the franchise.
Buffalo Bills Targeting Sack Production for Super Bowl Ambitions
The Buffalo Bills finished in the bottom half of the league last year in sacks, a shortfall that contradicts their championship aspirations. General manager Brandon Beane has prioritized enhancing the pass rush to push the team closer to a Super Bowl appearance. However, financial constraints remain an obstacle as the Bills are over the 2026 salary cap limit. While interested, they will need to resolve cap issues before effectively pursuing Greenard.
Implications of a Jonathan Greenard Trade in the NFL Landscape
Jonathan Greenard’s potential trade represents a critical juncture both for his career and the aspirational goals of several competitive NFL teams. With the Vikings facing tough financial decisions, Greenard’s next destination likely depends on which franchise can best blend immediate need with salary cap flexibility. Teams like Baltimore and Cincinnati are positioning themselves to make aggressive defensive moves, while others like San Francisco and Buffalo must weigh roster health and financial limits. Whichever team secures Greenard will gain a seasoned pass rusher capable of influencing playoff trajectories.
Vikings are now open to trading Pro Bowl edge rusher Jonathan Geeenard, per sources.
They would like to keep Greenard, but they also have salary cap issues they’re working through that have led to these trade conversations. pic.twitter.com/kLRO73aFOz
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 3, 2026
