Vikings expect Greenard on team in 2026 after trade rumors - ESPN

PHOENIX — Amid trade rumors that began swirling earlier this offseason, Minnesota Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell said Monday that he is planning for linebacker Jonathan Greenard to be on the roster this season.

While speaking with reporters at the annual league meeting, O'Connell left the door slightly ajar for a future move. But for now, O'Connell said: «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, 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 and also what we think is best for each one of our individual players. And that's an ongoing thing throughout every offseason.»

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported March 3 that the Vikings were open to trading Greenard as they worked through a salary cap deficit. The Vikings made other moves to trim nearly $50 million from their 2026 cap total, but Greenard's $19 million salary for this season sits in a tier below the league's top pass rushers.

Until an adjustment occurs, a trade is possible if the Vikings are intrigued enough by an offer. Otherwise, the Vikings want Greenard to be part of a dynamic group of outside linebackers that includes veteran Andrew Van Ginkel and Dallas Turner, a 2024 first-round draft pick.

Greenard spent the first four years of his career with the Houston Texans before signing with the Vikings. He recorded 12½ sacks and was named to the Pro Bowl in 2024 but was slowed by a shoulder injury that ultimately required season-ending surgery in 2025. Although he managed only