The Minnesota Vikings are exploring the possibility of trading linebacker Jonathan Greenard as they navigate significant salary cap challenges, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. While the team prefers to retain Greenard, ongoing financial constraints have prompted discussions about a trade.
“would like to keep Greenard, but they also have salary cap issues they’re working through that have led to these trade conversations.”
– Adam Schefter
Greenard’s Performance and Contract Details
Greenard has been a key defensive player for the Vikings, recording back-to-back seasons with at least 12 sacks in 2023 and 2024, despite a reduction to 3.0 sacks in 12 games last season due to a shoulder injury. Signed through 2027, Greenard’s contract carries a cap hit of approximately $22.15 million for the upcoming season, according to Over the Cap. A trade before June 1 could save Minnesota $12.25 million in salary cap space.
Broader Salary Cap Moves by the Vikings
These potential actions to trade Greenard come shortly after ESPN reported the Vikings’ plan to trade or release running back Aaron Jones and defensive tackle Javon Hargrave by March 11. Cutting Hargrave prior to June 1 could save the team $10.96 million, while releasing Jones would free up $7.75 million in cap space, as per Over the Cap. Combined with trading Greenard, these moves could reduce the team’s cap overage by nearly $31 million.
Currently, the Vikings are over the salary cap limit by $46.5 million and must make additional adjustments before the March 11 compliance deadline. ESPN analyst Aaron Schatz has also suggested that tight end TJ Hockenson might be among the players affected by forthcoming cap cuts.
Player Outlook and Team Adjustments
Greenard began his career with the Houston Texans before joining the Vikings ahead of his Pro Bowl season in 2024. After undergoing shoulder surgery in the offseason, head coach Kevin O’Connell indicated Greenard is expected to return fully healthy. Any team acquiring Greenard will anticipate a return to his prior high-impact performance level in 2026.
“Greenard would be back to 100 percent after undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery over the winter.”
– Kevin O’Connell
Should Greenard be traded, first-round draft pick Dallas Turner is projected to assume a regular starting role. Turner participated in 66 percent of the Vikings’ defensive snaps in his second NFL season, signaling readiness to step up if needed.
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
Sources: Vikings have informed running back Aaron Jones and defensive tackle Javon Hargrave that, barring a trade, they will be released at the start of the league year this month.
Jones’ release will save the Vikings $7.75 million against the cap, Hargrave’s $10.9 million. pic.twitter.com/s5DdCTOWTX
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 1, 2026
