Jonathan Greenard - Minnesota Vikings
Credit: Photo courtesy of the Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings have made it very clear this offseason that they aren’t just content with running back their 2025 squad with better quarterback play, they’re intent on it.
Instead of entering training camp with a quarterback room featuring JJ McCarthy, Sam Howell, Brett Rypien and Max Brosmer (22 total NFL starts), like they did last summer, the Vikings are currently constructed to kickoff summer workouts with Kyler Murray, McCarthy and newly re-signed Carson Wentz (196 NFL starts).
Minnesota Vikings focused on keeping gang together for new QB
But beyond the Vikings’ upcoming “QB competition“, which Murray is expected to win handedly, those making decisions in Minnesota have been almost solely focused on retaining their own players, rather than seeking outside help via free agency.
We’ve seen acting GM Rob Brzezinski retain veterans and possible cap casualties including Aaron Jones and TJ Hockenson via restructures. Younger contributors like Jalen Redmond and Ivan Pace Jr were locked in via RFA tenders.
The Vikings also extended 31-year-old unrestricted free agent linebacker, Eric Wilson, who had a breakout 2025 season during his second career stint in Minnesota. But not everyone has been so amicable to the budget-friendly roster head coach Kevin O’Connell and Rob Brzezinski are trying to build.
Jonathan Greenard, Eric Wilson - Minnesota Vikings
Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Related: Star WR Wants to Join Vikings, Reunite with Former QB
Take Jonathan Greenard, whose agency requested a trade after the MN Vikings were unwilling to negotiate a pay raise from the $19 million he’s scheduled to make in 2026.
Of course, Greenard’s trade demands happened a month ago. And since, steam surrounding Minnesota dealing their best pass rusher has gradually cooled. Outside of some lingering Eagles and Colts chatter, it’s been pretty quiet on the Jonathan Greenard trade front.
Jonathan Greenard hinting toward a return to Minnesota?
And that brings us to the 28-year-old‘s instagram account, which over the past few days has featured stories of him in a Vikings uniform an awful lot. During a 7-minute timeframe Friday, Greenard posted six photos of him in purple.
Then on Monday, he posted a photo of his 2024 regular season accolades (Pro Bowl, NFC DPOW, NFC DPOM), via plaque that’s hanging at TCO Performance Center in Eagan. His post this morning sparked questions online over whether he’s actually in the building today… which could possibly suggest an upcoming extension.
From Jonathan Greenard’s IG story 👀
JG is in the facility… extension 🔜? pic.twitter.com/ps6DOaFw47
— Vikes\/erified (@VikesVV) March 23, 2026
Jonathan Greenard’s Instagram story seems interesting as it appears potential trade talks have stalled out 🤔 pic.twitter.com/E4zATCQrP2
— Jason Harmon (@JasonHarmonNFL) March 20, 2026
Of course, Greenard could be posting an old picture from his camera roll. After his underwhelming statistical performance in 2025 (3 sacks, 19 solo tackles), he may just be trying to remind his followers what he accomplished one year earlier, as he attempts to land a bigger paycheck in 2026 and beyond.
Extension for Jonathan Greenard could make sense for MN Vikings
In 2024, Jonathan Greenard posted 12 sacks and 41 solo tackles, in his first season as a member of the Minnesota Vikings, earning his first Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors. Had he performed to that level on paper in 2026, someone would probably be willing to trade for/pay him. That’s not reality, however.
Player Highlight:
The best FA signing last year..Jonathan Greenard
2024 stats:
• 12 sacks
• 59 tackles
• 4 forced fumbles
• 18 TFL
• 78 pressures
Greenard was easily one of the best player on our defense last year
Odds are.. he's gonna do it again
pic.twitter.com/5mnmW75Ljb
— cody ♱ (@codyy11_) March 18, 2025
Related: JJ McCarthy Camp Hoping for Trade Out of Minnesota?
Thus, whether he’s in the building today or not, it wouldn’t surprise me if he and the Vikings do eventually work out a deal that *maybe* gives him a bit more guaranteed money in 2026, but also benefits Minnesota, beyond retaining a soon-to-be 29-year-old pass rusher who should still have plenty of fuel left in his QB hunting tank.
After all, Greenard’s contract is set to count $22.2 million against the cap this season. While that doesn’t break the NFL bank, when it comes to pass rush talent, I’d imagine Rob Brzezinski would be happy to bring that number down, should the find a middle ground that awards both sides.
Mentioned in this article: Jonathan Greenard NFL Offseason NFL Trade Rumors
More About:Minnesota Vikings
Add MinnesotaSportsFan as a preferred source on Google.Add MinnesotaSportsFan as a preferred source on Google.