Vikings Sign DE Jonathan Greenard To Monster Deal
Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Is the quest to replace long-time Edge Rusher Danielle Hunter is on in Minnesota? Reports broke on Monday that the Minnesota Vikings have agreed to terms with Edge Rusher Jonathan Greenard to a four-year deal worth up to $76 million.
This move comes on the heels of Danielle Hunter’s impending free agency and is the strongest sign yet that the Vikings aren’t anticipating a return for the star pass rusher. Hunter, 29, has posted double-digit sack totals in five of his eight seasons in Minnesota, including a career-high 16.5 sacks last year.
If Hunter’s gone, they’ll have to replace that pass rush somehow. Enter Greenard. What does he bring to the Vikings?
Greenard, 26, had a breakout season with the Houston Texans last season, registering 12.5 sacks in 15 games. He was a menace in the backfield, registering 15 tackles for loss alongside 22 quarterback hits. In ranking Greenard 11th among NFL Free Agents in February, The Athletic’s Randy Mueller raved about his speed. “[He’s] extremely quick off the ball and when closing in pursuit,” Mueller glows. “He’s capable of wrecking games.”
The Vikings are hoping that Greenard can maintain his breakout, and perhaps take a step forward into Hunter-esque territory under defensive coordinator Brian Flores. $19 million is a good chunk of change against the salary cap, but if Greenard proves to be one of the league’s best pass rushers, that salary quickly turns into a bargain. Not to mention a Hunter replacement.
Unless, of course, the Vikings find a way to bring Hunter back, as well. Having Greenard and Hunter routinely terrorizing quarterbacks would have a certain amount of appeal to Vikings fans, we’d suspect…
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