Eagles trade for Greenard, extend him for $100M

The Philadelphia Eagles acquired linebacker Jonathan Greenard from the Minnesota Vikings on Friday, May 3, 2024, sending two third-round draft picks in return. The deal included the 98th selection in the current year’s draft and a third-round pick in 2025, while Philadelphia also received a 2026 seventh-rounder as part of the transaction.

After the trade was completed, Greenard agreed to a four-year, $100 million contract extension with the Eagles. The extension includes $50 million in guaranteed money, locking in a long-term commitment immediately following his arrival in Philadelphia.

The Eagles targeted Greenard with the aim of strengthening their pass rush. The move came after Philadelphia’s attempt to re-sign Jaelan Phillips fell short when the Carolina Panthers exceeded the Eagles’ offer, according to the account provided in the source material.

Greenard is 28 and is coming off a season in which he posted three sacks across 12 games for Minnesota. The Vikings’ recent history with him also includes two seasons in which he reached double-digit sacks, a track record the Eagles cited as part of their rationale for making the trade.

Eagles General Manager Howie Roseman pointed to Greenard’s style of play as a central reason for the acquisition. Roseman said Greenard plays relentlessly and can win in multiple ways, framing the linebacker as a versatile option for Philadelphia’s defensive front.

For Minnesota, the trade was presented as a financial and roster-management decision. The Vikings are expected to gain salary cap relief by saving $12.25 million in cap space and removing Greenard’s $19 million cash salary from their books.

Minnesota also moved quickly to convert the draft capital into a player, using the 98th pick to select former Miami defensive back Jakobe Thomas. Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell said 2024 first-round pick Dallas Turner is expected to take over Greenard’s starting role, signaling a planned transition on the depth chart.

Interim General Manager Rob Brzezinski acknowledged the trade could affect the team’s near-term performance, while also saying it aligned with the market value and served the interests of all sides. How the personnel changes translate on the field remains uncertain until the Vikings and Eagles see their updated units in game conditions.