Was Jonathan Greenard’s breakout season worth the hefty price tag the Vikings paid for him? According to Bleacher Report’s Brad Gagnon, Greenard, who recently signed a four-year, $76 million deal with $42 million guaranteed, is the Vikings’ most overpaid player in 2024. The Vikings brought him in as the replacement for Danielle Hunter, who moved to the Texans in a swap of edge rushers during free agency.
Gagnon’s assessment seems reasonable when considering Greenard’s performance trajectory. He started with just one sack in his rookie season, followed by eight in his second year, a mere 1.5 in 2022, and then a standout 12.5 in 2023. However, it’s important to note that Greenard’s impact was limited by injuries in his third year. While his injury history raises concerns for the Vikings, it’s not as severe as some other cases, such as Marcus Davenport’s last year.
Greenard’s ability extends beyond just one standout season. In 2021, he tallied eight sacks, four passes defended, two forced fumbles, 27 pressures, and an impressive 89.2 PFF pass rush grade in limited defensive snaps. Even during his injury-plagued 2022 season, he managed six tackles for loss and a pick-six. Last year’s performance wasn’t entirely unexpected, given his previous track record of success.
There’s always a risk of disappointment, whether due to injury or regression. However, there’s optimism about Greenard’s potential impact in Minnesota, particularly within Brian Flores’ defensive scheme. Despite concerns that he may not thrive without certain teammates, Greenard’s film showcases his talent, and he joins a defensive front that utilizes various pressure tactics effectively. At 27, he still has room to grow and could deliver another strong season.
Moreover, with only $42 million guaranteed, the Vikings have flexibility to reassess if Greenard underperforms or struggles with injuries. Considering his average annual value (AAV) ranks 16th among NFL edge rushers at $19 million per year, Greenard may not be as overpaid as initially suggested. The true test of his worth will come this fall.