Jonathan Greenard Is A Phantom Contract Situation

Jonathan Greenard believes there’s no better sensation in the world than a strip sack.

“I tell everybody that a strip sack is the best feeling in the world,” Greenard said after forcing a Caleb Williams fumble in Week 15 of the 2024 season. “Sorry to my wife.”

If there’s a knock against Greenard, it’s that he gets close to the quarterback but doesn’t always hit home. That strip-sack sensation is a rarely visited Valhalla. Greenard had 47 pressures last year (31st in the league), but only four sacks (63rd). His lone forced fumble places him 23rd.

Still, defensive coaches value pressure. Players like Greenard regularly disrupt the quarterback. Meanwhile, guys like old friend Yannick Ngakoue rack up sack totals but break the defensive structure, opening running lanes or allowing the quarterback to get loose.

Therefore, Greenard remains a valuable part of Brian Flores’ defense.

There’s an adage that, after quarterback, having two edge rushers is the most vital part of roster-building. The edge rushers are the defense’s answer to football’s most important position. As a result, teams have spent oodles of cash on edge rushers.

Micah Parsons, Aidan Hutchinson, T.J. Watt, and Myles Garrett make $40-plus million per year. Danielle Hunter, Maxx Crosby, and Nick Bosa make about $35 million. Most of the other stars make between $25 and $15 million.

Greenard will make $19 million next year, right in the middle of the third tier of edge rushers.

“The Vikings' situation with OLB Jonathan Greenard is a bit complex,” Albert Breer reported after Adam Schefter broke the news that Minnesota was open to trading Greenard. “Greenard is seeking a market correction to his contract, per sources. He's due $19 million and would like a raise. Minnesota is comfortable with him at his current number.

“The team views him as one of their best players, and won't just let him go. But if someone comes with a big offer, a deal could be had.”

Like many NFL contracts, Greenard’s contract is complicated. He signed a four-year, $76 million deal with the Vikings two years ago. Acting GM Rob Brzezinski, Minnesota’s cap wizard, tends to backload contracts. Greenard had a $5.74 million cap hit last year, but also carries an out clause that allows Minnesota to cut him with only $9.9 million in dead cap.

Minnesota doesn’t want to cut Greenard, even after Dallas Turner started playing well at the end of last season. There’s healthy skepticism that Turner, 23, could replace Greenard, 28, one-for-one. More pertinently, Greenard’s absence leaves the Vikings with only one pass rusher.

Still, the Vikings are entertaining a Jonathan Greenard trade because they’re $44.3 million over the salary cap, according to Spotrac. Moving on from Aaron Jones and Javon Hargrave will lighten the burden. Minnesota can restructure large contracts like Brian O’Neill’s or T.J. Hockenson’s, moving the cap hits into the future.

However, they can’t overpay Greenard and maintain a competitive roster. Pro Football Focus has Greenard as the league’s 31st-best defensive end, tied with Jaelan Phillips, Josh Sweat, and T.J. Watt. He’s in the same range as Brian Burns and Montez Sweat. Greenard isn’t as productive as Will Anderson or Myles Garrett, but he’s outplayed his contract.

The Vikings may end up reaching an agreement with Greenard after cutting players and restructuring contracts. They may also end up trading him for draft capital, which is valuable for a cap-strapped team.

Minnesota would love it if Jonathan Greenard played out his contract. However, NFL contracts are vapor. Often, they carry large total numbers, but teams only pay out the guaranteed money. But occasionally players with leverage, like Greenard, can demand more – even though he’s under contract for two more seasons.