Report: Vikings Sign Former Louisville Edge Rusher Jonathan Greenard
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LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Jonathan Greenard is cashing in on a massive payday on the first day of the NFL's free agency negotiating window.
The former Louisville defensive end/outside linebacker has agreed with the Minnesota Vikings to a four-year, $76 million deal that includes $42 million guaranteed, according to reports from ESPN's Adam Schefter and NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
Greenard spent his first four years in the NFL with the Texans, but Houston opted not to place the franchise tag on him after his rookie deal ran up. He will likely slide into the spot formerly occupied by Danielle Hunter, who is expected to leave the Vikings in free agency.
The 6-foot-3, 263-pound edge rusher is coming off of what is unquestionably the best season of his career. Under first-year head coach DeMeco Ryans, the former Cardinals flourished, logging 52 tackles, 22 quarterback hits, 15.0 tackles for loss and 12.5 sacks in 15 starts - all of which were career-highs.
Greenard had an efficient 2022 showing for the Texans, but most of his first three years in Houston were marred by injuries. In four years with the organization, he tallied 120 tackles, 41 quarterback hits, 32.0 for loss, 23.0 sacks, eight pass deflections and three forced fumbles.
The Hiram, Ga. was selected in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft after spending his first four in college years with Louisville and final year at Florida. After redshirting as a true freshman in 2015 and becoming a rotational piece in 2016, his breakout season came in 2017. That year, he led the team in tackles for loss with 15.5 while also tying the team lead in sacks with 7.0.
On the opening drive of Louisville's 2018 opener against Alabama, Greenard suffered a season-ending wrist injury, then later transferred to Florida after head coach Bobby Petrino was fired. In his lone season as a Gator, he collected 53 total tackles, 16.0 for loss, 10.0 sacks, three forced fumbles and an interception. He took home First-Team All-SEC honors for his efforts.
(Photo of Jonathan Greenard: Cooper Neill - Getty Images)
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