Sources: Vikings mull trading OLB Greenard as cap issues swirl

EAGAN, Minn. –The Minnesota Vikings are open to trading exterior linebacker Jonathan Greenard as they work by way of a wage cap deficit that would have a wide-ranging influence on their roster, sources instructed ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Tuesday.

Greenard, 28, is without doubt one of the workforce’s high defensive gamers and has two seasons remaining on the four-year deal he signed in 2024. But the Vikings entered this month roughly $43 million over the NFL’s wage cap. They wish to hold Greenard, Schefter reported, however their work to remove that cap deficit has led to commerce discussions.

Greenard’s contract requires a $22.3 million cap quantity and a $19 million money wage for 2026, however none of that cash is totally assured. If he’s nonetheless on the roster on the fifth day of the brand new league 12 months, $4 million of his base wage will turn out to be assured. A commerce would save them about $12 million in cap area.

The Vikings have already instructed two different veterans, working again Aaron Jones and defensive lineman Javon Hargravethat they are going to be launched or traded for cap functions. Their departures would save $18.65 million in cap area.

Greenard spent the primary 4 years of his profession with the Houston Texans earlier than signing with the Vikings. He recorded 12.5 sacks and was named to the Pro Bowl in 2024 however was slowed by a shoulder damage that in the end required season-ending surgical procedure in 2025. Although he managed solely three sacks in 12 video games final season, his stress charge of 13.5% ranked No. 7 within the NFL.

One mitigating think about Greenard’s attainable departure is the event of Dallas Turnera first-round draft choose in 2024 who led the workforce with eight sacks in 2025, together with 6.5 within the ultimate eight video games.