Colts Could Battle NFC Juggernaut to Secure Jonathan Greenard

Per Over the Cap, Indianapolis has $26,627,200 available in cap space.

If they were to trade for Greenard, they'd take a 2026 cap hit of $22,150,000, but would likely restructure his contract to lower that hit and keep some flexibility.

However, the cap hit isn't entirely what the Colts would pay him for the 2026 season. He's due a $19 million payment; this is likely what Indy would fork over to Greenard should they acquire him.

Initially, it was floated that Indianapolis might include quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. in that hypothetical package with the Vikings.

However, after Minnesota signed quarterback Kyler Murray to compete with J.J. McCarthy, it's hard to imagine they'll add another QB.

Instead, as Lewis points out, the Vikings may ask for a second or third-round pick this year or next from Indianapolis. This would make the trade a very difficult decision for Chris Ballard.

However, Indianapolis needs proven production for the 2026 season more than a promising rookie for the defensive edge room. Greenard fits this perfectly, even if he was limited to 12 games due to a shoulder injury in 2025.

Since Indianapolis has no first-rounder this year after trading for cornerback Sauce Gardner, it would mean they may need to hand over yet another selection to get Greenard.

However, this could be the best move the team can make to help Latu after losing Paye and Ebukam. Also, the Colts could still grab another edge rusher in Round 3.

While this is a possibility, the Colts must weigh the pros and cons. They need another wide receiver after trading Michael Pittman Jr. to the Steelers and more linebacker help after dealing away Zaire Franklin to the Green Bay Packers.

In short, Indianapolis is in a massive pinch, and could also be competing with the Eagles to get Greenard to wear their threads in 2026 and beyond.

Greenard has a bit of a question mark after logging only 3.0 sacks and sustaining the shoulder injury. However, he's just one season removed from two straight 12-plus sack seasons.

He also logged an impressive 47 QB pressures while missing five games per Pro Football Focus. This is obviously the biggest area that the defensive edge room lacked for Indy in 2025.

Greenard is the last ditch option for Indianapolis to significantly boost their defensive end position without risking having to put a rookie out their as a Day 1 starter; this would be a rookie that's also not a first-round prospect.

It will be interesting to see how Ballard and the Colts navigate this trade, and what they would have to gift to the Vikings to make it a reality.

With Ballard and Shane Steichen's jobs firmly on the line this year, it could lead to the Colts getting this deal done, regardless of what it costs as far as draft capital.