Jettisoned Vikings Pass Rusher Off to Rocky Start in New Home

Back in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Philadelphia Eagles made a win-now move when opting for a Vikings pass rusher in a trade.

Fill-in GM Rob Brzezinski decided that shipping out Jonathan Greenard and a 7th for a pair of 3rd-Round selections was good business. At least part of the rationale was that extending Greenard was a risky proposition, in no small part due to injury. So far, the Vikings are looking wise for the decision while Philadelphia could have some concern about the status of the edge rusher who is under contract for $100 million.

Former Vikings Pass Rusher Off to Modest Beginning in Philly

Injury has kept Greenard sidelined a pair of times in 2026. Yet another ailment threatens his availability yet again.

Ian Rapoport of The NFL Network sends the update: “#Eagles edge Jonathan Greenard, who exited Sunday’s game early with an ankle injury, is considered day-to-day, sources say. Not a major injury.” Note that the Rapoport clarity comes on the heels of the veteran already being kept out of the debut pair of games due to what was believed to be a minor offseason injury.

Greenard boasts 1 tackle, 1 quarterback hit, and 1 forced fumble so far in 2026.

Greenard’s problem in his career hasn’t had anything to do with his on-field ability. Rather, it has been getting him onto the field.

Consider, for instance, what the former Vikings pass rusher did in 2025. His sack numbers were more modest than normal — just 3 — but he was snake bitten out there, commonly beating his blocker without getting the passer to the ground. But then there was the more glaring issue: only being out there for a dozen games while playing through injury in other games.

So, Minnesota moved on.

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Part of the benefit came from saved cap space. There was then the upgraded draft picks that Minnesota got to work with in 2026 and then in 2027.

Most compelling, though, has been the open spot for Dallas Turner. The third-year edge rusher has been exploding out there. Already, Turner sits atop 5.5 sacks and 14 quarterback hits. He has been terrific. There’s no exaggeration when saying that Minnesota isn’t a 4-0 team without Turner’s play.

Do note, folks, that the best trades involve a pair of happy teams.

Obviously, the Vikings are pleased with how things have gone (even if that initial 3rd got sunk into Jakobe Thomas, somebody who has yet to make any difference). The added cap space, picks, and Turner promotion have all been good for the Vikings.

Philadelphia can hopefully get a fully healthy former Vikings pass rusher for their troubles. And then on a personal level there’s a desire to see Jonathan Greenard go on to have a great career. He’s a great leader, teammate, and worker; seeing him succeed should be what everybody is looking to see even if the Vikings are looking prescient.

The Vikings don’t play the Eagles in the 2026 season.