The draft is not only exciting for the picks made, but also for the trades that can happen as well. A big one went down on Day 2 between the Philadelphia Eagles and Minnesota Vikings. So, how does this trade change the landscape of the NFC?
Breaking Down Jonathan Greenard Trade Details
The Eagles receive edge rusher Jonathan Greenard and the 244th pick in the 2026 draft. The Eagles also signed Greenard to a four-year $100 million deal. The Minnesota Vikings receive two third-round picks, the 98th pick in the 2026 draft and a 2027 third-round pick.
Philadelphia Eagles Analysis
The Eagles’ defense got significantly better after they traded for edge rusher Jaelan Phillips. As great as Phillips was, the Eagles lost Phillips in free agency to the Carolina Panthers because they couldn’t make the money work. With that in mind, bringing in Greenard fills a nice hole.
Greenard comes to the Eagles having double-digit sacks in his last two fully healthy seasons. He played just 10 games last year due to injury. However, Greenard was extremely good when he suited up. According to PFSN’s Edge Impact Metric, Greenard got a B+ grade and ranked 7th last season.
Not only is Greenard a great player in his own right, but he could help Nolan Smith Jr. Three years into the NFL, Smith Jr. has not been terrible, but he has not hit the high ceiling that he showed at Georgia.
Last year, Nolan earned a C grade and ranked 51st on PFSN’s EDGEi. So, hopefully, the addition of Greenard can help Smith Jr. improve his game.
One of the two third-round picks that the Eagles are giving up, their 2026 one, is a compensatory pick for losing defensive lineman Milton Williams last year in the offseason. So, it is not the original Eagles pick. The Eagles are also a very complete team. So third-round picks are not as valuable to them as they are to rebuilding teams like the Cleveland Browns or New York Jets.
Overall, this is a great get for the Eagles without having to give up that much.
Philadelphia Eagles Grade: A+
Minnesota Vikings Analysis
The Vikings are going in a new direction defensively this offseason.
It started with longtime safety Harrison Smith calling it a career. Then, in the draft, the Vikings’ first- and second-round picks were on defense. In Round 1 at pick 18, they went with Florida defensive tackle Caleb Banks, who does have an injury history, but he’s disruptive when he can stay on the field. In the second round at pick 51, the Vikings drafted versatile linebacker Jake Golday from Cincinnati.
Despite interviewing for head coach jobs around the league, the Vikings were able to retain defensive coordinator Brian Flores, who’s regarded as one of the best defensive minds in the league for his creative blitz designs.
According to PFSN’s Di, the Vikings’ defense ranked 4th and received a B+. Managing to retain Flores was a huge bonus for Minnesota, so it makes sense that the Vikings’ defense is undergoing an overhaul.
The two third-round picks that the Vikings got are not terrible and can still be used. Despite the Vikings having some deep positions, such as receiver, they could use cornerback, offensive line, or running back help, which is where there’s value to be found.
However, with how effective a player Greenard was, getting only third-round picks is a bit disappointing. With a contending team like the Eagles, those third-round picks are going to be closer to the 4th round than they are to the 3rd.
Overall, the idea of moving Greenard makes sense. However, the haul could have been better.
Minnesota Vikings Grade: C+
In conclusion, the Eagles do walk away the winners. However, the Vikings are not complete losers and do get a halfway decent return.
