Kevin O'Connell head coach Minnesota Vikings
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MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - DECEMBER 25: Head coach Kevin O'Connell of the Minnesota Vikings looks on against the Detroit Lions during the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 25, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
The Minnesota Vikings have been embroiled in multiple different storylines over the course of the offseason. One of the more interesting non-J.J. McCarthy-focused ones has been concerning the future of edge rusher Jonathan Greenard.
Greenard asked for a trade after desiring to have his contract more closely reflect current market rates, and the team became open to moving him in early March according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, with the team set to look for day two pick in compensation for the 28-year old.
However, in speaking to the media on Monday head coach Kevin O’Connell revealed that he now expects the Pro Bowl edge rusher to remain on the roster this coming season, per ESPN’s Kevin Seifert.
Kevin Seifert
Kevin O’Connell on if he expects Jonathan Greenard on the roster this season: “Yeah, I expect him to be part of our team. I know there’s always conversations, there’s conversations this week, there’s conversations throughout the offseason… (1/x)
O’Connell Expects Jonathan Greenard to Be On the Roster
“Kevin O’Connell on if he expects Jonathan Greenard on the roster this season: “Yeah, I expect him to be part of our team. I know there’s always conversations, there’s conversations this week, there’s conversations throughout the offseason.” Seifert posted on X.
Greenard is currently on a four year $76 million free agent deal signed with the Vikings back in March 2024, earning him $19 million per year.
This is drastically lower than deals currently being made for comparative players at the position. Jaelan Phillips – who has a tough injury history and has never managed double-digit sacks – received $30 million per year from the Panthers. Whilst Odafe Oweh, who has averaged just six sacks per season and has never made a Pro Bowl was donned $25 million per year from the Commanders.
Could Jonathan Greenard Still Be Traded?
Although O’Connell noted that he believes the former third round pick will be on the Vikings come the start of the season, he did leave the door open for a move to happen.
Kevin Seifert
More O’Connell on Greenard: “…and also what we think is best for each one of our individual players. And that’s an ongoing thing throughout every offseason.” (3/x)
“And we’ll continue to kind of attack things at the different phases.” We’re getting ready to really jump heavily into draft meetings when we get back, but at the same time, we’re always going to try to do what’s best for our team.” O’Connell continued, via Seifert. “…And also what we think is best for each one of our individual players. And that’s an ongoing thing throughout every offseason.”
The implication here is that the team are content to keep Greenard on the team if need be, especially given that the Vikings have already managed to get under the salary cap for the 2026 season. But that if a team comes in with an impressive offer containing perhaps a mid-second round pick, with the simultaneous stated intention of boosting the former Florida man’s pay over the next few years, Minnesota are more than open to moving him.
The Vikings could look to move forward sans Greenard over the next few years anyway, as they look to transition the starting OLB role to 2024 first round pick Dallas Turner, who showed great improvement in 2025 as he managed 8 sacks and 11 tackles-for-loss, alongside 2024 All-Pro selection Andrew Van Ginkel.
But for now, interim GM Rob Brzezinski and O’Connell will keep their cards close to their chest as they navigate the situation.