Jonathan Greenard
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MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - SEPTEMBER 21: Jonathan Greenard #58 of the Minnesota Vikings looks on before the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at U.S. Bank Stadium on September 21, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
The fallout from the Maxx Crosby trade continues. After the Ravens traded for the three-time All-Pro edge rusher from the Raiders, the rest of the league is responding. Pass rusher is always one of the most highly-coveted positions and contending teams who need a boost in that department now have to look elsewhere. This affects the markets for other players, even for teams that weren’t interested in trading for Crosby.
The Philadelphia Eagles are working to add talent on the edge, as well. Their top priority is re-signing Jaelan Phillips — a player they sent a third-round pick to Miami for at last season’s trade deadline. Phillips was excellent once he arrived in Philadelphia, applying consistent pressure and elevating the Eagles’ defense.
However, Phillips’ market is expected to be hot, and the Eagles may have to pivot to another option at edge defender.
The Philadelphia Eagles Are Linked to Vikings ED Jonathan Greenard
Jonathan Greenard and Dak Prescott
GettyARLINGTON, TEXAS – DECEMBER 14: Dak Prescott #4 of the Dallas Cowboys carries the ball against Jonathan Greenard #58 of the Minnesota Vikings during the second quarter at AT&T Stadium on December 14, 2025 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)
On Sunday, ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler emptied his notebook ahead of free agency opening on Monday. He had this to say on the Eagles situation at pass rusher:
“While I never sensed Philly heavily pursued Crosby, the Eagles are active in the pass-rush market,” Fowler wrote. “People inside the league believe Philly is attempting to re-sign Phillips to a deal that would pay him well above $20 million per year. But Phillips will have a strong market if he chooses to enter free agency.”
“As a contingency, the Eagles are believed to have inquired about Minnesota’s Jonathan Greenard,” Fowler continued. “The Vikings have received many inquiries on Greenard, who will be far cheaper to acquire than Crosby. A Day 2 pick probably gets a deal done. But complicating matters is Greenard’s contract. Teams say he wants a new deal. His current contract is set to pay him $38 million over the next two years. [Seahawks ED Boye] Mafe is also considered a viable edge option if the Phillips deal doesn’t materialize.”
The Philadelphia Eagles Are Entering a Crucial Offseason
Even though the Eagles won the NFC East and made the playoffs, it’s safe to say it was a bit of a disappointing season. Philadelphia didn’t finish the season strong, limping to the finish line and losing at home in the wild card round. After winning Super Bowl LIX, the Eagles expected more from their follow-up season.
Developing a more consistent pass rush would be a good start towards improvement. Prior to the trade for Phillips, the Eagles didn’t really have anyone who could consistently generate pressure one-on-one. If Phillips signs elsewhere, they’ll be right back where they started.
In his five-year career, Phillips has 205 tackles, 28 sacks, two forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries, an interception, and 11 passes defensed. Meanwhile, in six seasons, Greenard has 217 tackles, 38 sacks, eight forced fumbles, a fumble recovery, an interception, and 14 passes defensed.