Vikings-Jaguars trade pitch would send former Pro Bowler to Jacksonville

While the Jacksonville Jaguars sported an elite run defense in 2025, their pass rush didn't have anywhere near the same success.

The Jags finished with just 32 sacks last season, tied for the sixth-fewest in the NFL, and no other edge rusher outside of Josh Hines-Allen had more than 3.5 sacks.

If the Jags want to take that next step and compete for a Super Bowl in 2026, they've got to improve in that area.

One potential avenue the Jags could explore to improve their pass rush is a trade for Minnesota Vikings edge rusher Jonathan Greenard, who was recently pitched as a potential trade target for Jacksonville by Sports Illustrated's Mike Kadlick.

"The Vikings are open to trading Johnathan Greenard this offseason," Kadlic said. "According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Minnesota would reportedly like to retain the edge rusher, but salary cap 'issues' have caused the team to consider moving on."

"Greenard, 28, signed a four-year, $76 million contract with Minnesota in the spring of 2024 and after a solid debut season with the club, played in just 12 games in ‘25 while logging only three sacks," Kadlick added.

Greenard was limited to just 12 games last season because of a shoulder injury that he played through from at least Week 10, according to ESPN's Kevin Seifert, and led to him playing a part-time role down the stretch.

It's fair to assume that hurt his production. Greenard had been a consistent menace in the pass-rush the two years prior after tallying 24.5 sacks in that span, which resulted in one Pro Bowl nod for him.

The Vikings' reason behind being open to trading Greenard is financially motivated. Not only does he have a large cap number in 2026, but the former Pro Bowler is reportedly looking for a raise.

All of that could be a major issue for Jacksonville if it does want to acquire Greenard because the team sits with just $5.7 million in cap space currently.

That might make this trade out of the Jags' reach, but if general manager James Gladstone can find a way to make it work, he absolutely should pull the trigger.

More NFL News

• Steelers, Raiders, Rams, 49ers rumors could lead to signing of former $180 million free agent
• Giants rumor could lead to signing of Lions $22 million free agent
• Broncos rumor reveals reason behind Denver's lack of free agent moves
• Commanders rumors could lead to signing of Pats, 49ers, Dolphins FAs
• AJ Brown trade rumor is good news for Patriots, Chiefs and Raiders