The Minnesota Vikings announced on Apr. 24 that they traded outside linebacker Jonathan Greenard and the 244th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for a third-round pick in 2026 (98th overall) and a third-round pick in 2027. The move was made during Day 2 of the draft.
The trade is significant as it gives the Vikings additional salary cap space this year and more financial flexibility next year, with two seasons remaining on Greenard’s four-year contract signed in 2024. Greenard joined Minnesota as a free agent and contributed to their defense under Brian Flores for two seasons.
This transaction marked Minnesota’s second trade of the night. Earlier, the team moved back two spots from No. 49 to No. 51 after trading picks with the Carolina Panthers, sending away their second- and sixth-round selections (49 and 196) while receiving Carolina’s second- and fifth-round picks (51 and 159).
Following these trades, Minnesota selected linebacker Jake Golday from Cincinnati with the No. 51 overall pick in Round Two. On Thursday night, they had drafted defensive lineman Caleb Banks out of Florida at No.18 overall.
The series of moves reflect an effort by Minnesota to strengthen its roster through both immediate additions via draft selections and future flexibility gained through acquiring extra draft capital.
