Eagles OLB Greenard to Start Season on Active Roster

The Philadelphia Eagles breathed a sigh of relief regarding the health of a big-time offseason acquisition.

Outside linebacker and pass rush specialist Jonathan Greenard will start the season on the active 53-man roster. The 6-foot-3, 263-pound Greenard suffered a pectoral strain in July during an offseason weightlifting session and subsequently missed all of training camp. It was feared that Greenard may have to start the season on the Physically Unable to Perform list.

Greenard, 29, was acquired along with a seventh-round pick from the Minnesota Vikings via trade during this past NFL Draft. The Eagles parted with a third-round choice in 2026 and another third-round choice in 2027 to acquire the pass rushing standout. Soon after the trade, the Eagles signed Greenard to a four-year, $100 million extension including $50 million in guaranteed dollars.

The stout Eagles defense already had a pair of stout defenders in the middle of the defensive line with tackles Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter. However, the addition of Greenard gives the defense a much-needed presence off the edge. In 2025, outside linebacker Jalyx Hunt was Philadelphia’s leading sack artist with just 6.5 sacks. It was a major point of emphasis for general manager Howie Roseman to upgrade the club’s pass rushing depth.

In 12 games last year, Greenard registered just three sacks with Minnesota. The Eagles are banking he returns to 2024 form where Greenard played in all 17 games, notched 12 sacks, forced four fumbles and was named to the Pro Bowl. In 2023 as a member of the Houston Texans, Greenard recorded a career-high 12.5 sacks.

There were other highly touted pass rushers on the market this offseason, via trade as well as free agency, including Trey Hendrickson and Maxx Crosby. Philadelphia’s own outside linebacker, Jaelan Phillips, bolted for a lucrative four-year, $120 million deal with Carolina. Looking at those options, it is highly likely the Eagles would have had to part with better draft capital and paid a higher salary to any of the aforementioned players.

It remains to be seen if Greenard can revert back to form from a couple of years ago, but it is an encouraging sign to say the least that he will be available Week 1 at home against the Washington Commanders.