The Minnesota Vikings are looking to start fresh at edge rusher, bringing in breakout star Jonathan Greenard in free agency. They agreed to terms on a four-year deal worth $76 million with $42 million guaranteed, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. The former 2020 third-round pick will make around $19 million per year, cashing out on a double-digit sack season, where he was a disruptive rusher opposite rookie Will Anderson Jr. in Houston. The former Texan will likely fill the void of Danielle Hunter, Marcus Davenport, and D.J. Wonnum, who are all pending free agents for Minnesota.
Minnesota Vikings Agree to Terms with Jonathan Greenard
Former Texans pass-rusher Jonathan Greenard is signing a four-year $76 million deal that includes $42 million guaranteed with the Vikings, per his agents Drew Rosenhaus and Robert Bailey.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 11, 2024
The 26-year-old finished 2023 with 12.5 sacks, tied for 10th in the NFL last season. Jonathan Greenard will likely be the sixth highest-paid defensive end in the NFL, according to Spotrac. In most categories, his contract puts him just outside the top five to ten at the position. It will be interesting if Greenard converts to outside linebacker in Minnesota, as the Vikings defensive scheme under Brian Flores is a 3-4. Greenard played in a 4-3 win the last four years for Houston as a defensive end. At 6’3″ and 263 pounds, he certainly can make the transition without issues like Hunter, Davenport, and Wonnum before him.
Jonathan Greenard: Career Summary
Coming out of Florida, Jonathan Greenard flashed when he was on the field, especially in 2021, when he had eight sacks. Despite a few injuries here and there, the ascending pass rusher made his mark this past season and got the payday that was deserved. Along with sacks, Greenard had 22 quarterback hits in 2023, almost double compared to his sophomore season with 12.
As a full-time starter, he played 15 games but didn’t record a sack against the Cleveland Browns or Baltimore Ravens in the playoffs. Playing through an injury, Jonathan Greenard was a difference maker in the regular season when he did play for the Texans the past few seasons. While this type of signing could be a gamble, the Vikings had to take the shot on his talent despite some inconsistency in his profile.
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