Grade the Trade: Minnesota Vikings drastic NFL Draft move to save salary cap space changes the direction of Brian Flores’ defense

It’s not a surprise that the Eagles decided to swing a trade for an edge rusher. They wanted to re-sign Jaelan Phillips, were trying to sign Trey Hendrickson, and also trade for Maxx Crosby. In the end, they settle on Greenard.

Minnesota Vikings trade Jonathan Greenard to Philadelphia Eagles

Going into free agency, the Vikings needed to shed about $46 million in salary cap space, and they had a bevy of ways to do so. They ended up restructuring the contracts of wide receiver Justin Jefferson, left tackle Christian Darrisaw, and cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. Along with that, they cut defensive tackles Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen, while giving pay cuts to running back Aaron Jones and tight end T.J. Hockenson.

Moving on from Greenard didn’t make a lot of sense. He was the engine for Brian Flores’ defense, allowing the unit to generate eons of pressure. Each season with Greenard the Vikings generated over 330 pressures and 49 sacks. The biggest reason for that success was Greenard’s versatility, being able to rush on the inside and off the edge.

The move itself will elevate Dallas Turner to a starting role, something that his performance has earned. He led the team in sacks this past season and looked every bit the part of a starting-caliber edge rusher in the NFL.

As far as the trade is concerned, they should be criticized for making the trade in the manner that they did. It wasn’t done with the idea that moving on from him makes the team better, it was meant to shed both salary cap and cash. Plus, doing so during the NFL Draft is itself a wild decision.

The return is an interesting one for the Vikings. Not getting a pick in the top 96 really stinks, but the consolation is getting a third-round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft, helping load up the Vikings in a talented class.

Overall, it’s a disappointment to trade your best defensive player, but the return is okay.

Grade: B-