Jonathan Greenard Traded to Eagles from Vikings for NFL Draft Picks, Lands $100M Contract

The Philadelphia Eagles had a pretty big need on the edge after losing Jaelan Phillips in free agency this offseason. They addressed it in a major way on Friday night.

The Birds traded 2026 and 2027 third-round picks to the Minnesota Vikings in exchange for pass-rusher Jonathan Greenard and promptly signed him to a four-year, $100 million deal.

Interestingly, Greenard was already in the area and was at the Philadelphia 76ers playoff game when the news broke:

Greenard, 28, had 24.5 sacks between the 2023-24 seasons, though he was limited to 12 games (10 starts) last season and registered 38 tackles, three sacks, 12 quarterback hits and 10 tackles for loss. His pressure rate (13.5 percent) did rank No. 7 in the NFL, however, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.

He had been seeking a raise and the Vikings didn't seem interested in providing it, but Philly was willing to obliged while giving up some draft capital in the process.

If the Eagles get the player who had eight or more sacks three times between the 2021-24 seasons, an already excellent defense is going to be scary, with Greenard combining with Nolan Smith and Jalyx Hunt off the edge.

That upside certainly had fans and pundits excited about the acquisition:

Howie Roseman and the Eagles rarely rest on their laurels. Adding more high-ends pass-rushers was a big need coming into the NFL draft. Consider it addressed, especially if Greenard returns to the production he offered in 2023-24.

If he does so, the Birds are going to again have one of the best defenses in football.