Jonathan Greenard, Washington Commanders
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Jonathan Greenard #58 of the Minnesota Vikings looks on during warmups before the game against the Baltimore Ravens at U.S. Bank Stadium on November 09, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
Entering the 2026 NFL offseason, the Washington Commanders have been viewed as one of the teams to watch for being aggressive.
After missing out on the playoffs in 2025 following their run to the NFC Championship Game just one year before, the Commanders want to get back to being a serious contender. In order to accomplish that goal, the front office will need to go all-in.
Looking at the roster, Washington could use some help in multiple areas. One of those needs is improving the pass rush.
Keeping that in mind, the Commanders have now been linked to a potential aggressive offseason trade option with one of their NFC opponents.
Washington Commanders Linked to Targeting $76 Million Trade
According to a report from ESPN NFL insider Jeremy Fowler, the Minnesota Vikings are open to trading outside linebacker Jonathan Greenard.
“Vikings EDGE Jonathan Greenard is a name to watch this week. A lot of teams have been in on this one. Will likely involve a Day 2 pick if a trade gets done,” Fowler wrote.
“One variable: Teams know he wants a new contract as part of the deal. He’s got two years and $38M left on current deal.”
Another report from Easton Butler of Packer Report has named Washington as one of the potential trade destinations for Greenard this offseason.
“Expect the Patriots, Eagles and Commanders,” Butler reported.
Greenard would be an interesting addition for the Commanders. Let’s take a closer look at what he could bring to Washington if the team made the move to acquire him.
What Would Jonathan Greenard Bring to the Commanders’ Defense?
Greenard is a 28-year-old outside linebacker who has shown the ability to be a major threat as a pass rusher. He is coming off of a down season in 2025 with the Vikings.
During the 2025 season, Greenard played in 12 games. He racked up 38 total tackles to go along with three sacks, a forced fumble, and three defended passes.
That being said, his 2024 season was impressive. He recorded 59 total tackles, 12 sacks, four forced fumbles, and three defended passes in 17 games. Greenard also ended up with 52 tackles, 12.5 sacks, a forced fumble, and two defended passes during the 2023 season with the Houston Texans.
If the Commanders were to trade for Greenard, they would be getting a player with high upside as a pass rusher. He has had two elite seasons coming off of the edge.
Depending on what Minnesota’s asking price for him ends up being, trading for Greenard could make a lot of sense for Washington. At the very least, he’s a name worth monitoring as a potential option for the Commanders.
Expect to hear a lot of rumors swirling around in Washington. The Commanders know that they were close to a championship in 2024 and they’re going to try to do whatever it takes this offseason to get back to that level in 2026.