Jalen Redmond, Vikings
Getty
Defensive lineman Jalen Redmond of the Minnesota Vikings.
The Minnesota Vikings will likely part ways with Jonathan Greenard after the recent Pro Bowl edge-rusher requested a pay increase this spring, which rendered a move that Minnesota made ahead of free agency on March 11 all the more critical for the integrity of its pass rush.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported on Wednesday, March 4 that the Vikings locked in defensive tackle Jalen Redmond via a special contract provision that will ensure he is on the roster in 2026.
“The Vikings are placing the exclusive rights tender on DL Jalen Redmond, per source” Fowler reported. “He’s an extension candidate coming off his six-sack season.”
Jeremy Fowler
The Vikings are placing the exclusive rights tender on DL Jalen Redmond, per source. He’s an extension candidate coming off his six-sack season.
Redmond was an undrafted free agent of the Carolina Panthers in 2023.
He played his first regular-season snaps in the NFL with the Vikings across 13 appearances and two starts in 2024. Redmond appeared in all 17 games last season, starting 15 of them. He tallied eight quarterback hits, six sacks, five passes defensed, two fumble recoveries and one forced fumble to go along with 63 combined tackles, including 12 tackles for loss.
Redmond played last season on a one-year deal worth just $1.075 million, but he should be in for a significant raise on whatever extension he eventually signs.
Vikings Looking for Day 2 Pick in Trade of Jonathan Greenard
Jonathan Greenard Stats
GettyMinnesota Vikings pass-rusher Jonathan Greenard.
While Redmond doesn’t play off the edge as the team’s starting nose tackle in 2025, his presence in opposing backfields will be all the more important if Greenard ends up elsewhere, which ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported this week is a likely outcome.
“[The] Vikings are now open to trading Pro Bowl edge rusher Jonathan Greenard, per sources,” Schefter posted to X. “They would like to keep Greenard, but they also have salary cap issues they’re working through that have led to these trade conversations.”
Fowler added the asking price for Greenard, which should facilitate a relatively quick trade.
“Teams I’ve talked to believe Minnesota wants a Day 2 pick for Greenard,” Fowler wrote on social media.
Organizations potentially interested in Greenard include the Chicago Bears, Kansas City Chiefs, Cincinnati Bengals, Detroit Lions, New England Patriots and the Las Vegas Raiders, should they trade Maxx Crosby in the coming days.
Vikings Face Losses of Several Key Starters From 2025
Jonathan Greenard, Vikings
GettyMinnesota Vikings edge-rusher Jonathan Greenard.
Minneosta’s salary cap deficit dropped to $46.5 million earlier this week. Dealing Greenard to one of the aforementioned teams will clear approximately $12.25 million off that total.
Beyond that, the Vikings have announced they will release running back Aaron Jones and defensive tackle Javon Hargrave in the coming days, which will clear close to $19 million off the cap. Tight end TJ Hockenson is also a cut candidate with a projected savings of $9 million if Minnesota can’t restructure his deal and keep him in 2026.
Greenard inked four-year, $76 million agreement two years ago, which he followed up with a Pro Bowl campaign in 2024 via 18 tackles for loss and 12 sacks. A shoulder injury cost Greenard five games in 2025 but he still tallied 47 quarterback pressures, 10 tackles for loss and three sacks.
Greenard boasts 38 sacks and 60 tackles for loss over the span of his six-year NFL career. He will play next season at 29 years old.