Bengals Could Land Vikings Pro Bowler to Give Pass Rush Major Boost

The Cincinnati Bengals need to add to all three levels of their defense this offseason. Fortunately for the Bengals, there should be plenty of options.

NFL insider Adam Schefter is reporting that the Minnesota Vikings were open to the idea of trading one of their Pro Bowlers on defense, which could spark the Bengals interest. The Vikings were willing to trade edge rusher Jonathan Greenard this offseason due to salary cap issues.

"Vikings are now open to trading Pro Bowl edge rusher Jonathan Greenard, per sources," Schefter wrote in a post to X on Tuesday. "They would like to keep Greenard, but they also have salary cap issues they’re working through that have led to these trade conversations."

The Vikings are believed to want a day two draft pick for Greenard according to NFL insider Jeremy Fowler. The Bengals shouldn't be willing to pay that price for Greenard, unless it comes in some kind of pick swap.

Bengals an Ideal Trade Fit For Vikings Pro Bowler Jonathan Greenard

Dec 14, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) throws against Minnesota Vikings linebacker Jonathan Greenard (58) and linebacker Eric Wilson (55) during the second half at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images | Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images

The Bengals have a high selection in the fourth round of the NFL draft, so they might be able to pique the Vikings' interest if there aren't any teams in the league willing to give them a second or third rounder.

The Bengals could send their fourth round pick to the Vikings for Greenard. There's even a chance they could involve a later round pick swap to sweeten the deal for the Vikings.

Either way, adding Greenard would be an upgrade for the Bengals, especially considering Trey Hendrickson is likely leaving town in free agency. Greenard could replace Hendrickson in the short term, and if the Bengals are willing to sign him to an extension, they could use the 28-year-old as a four or five year starter on the edge.

Greenard recorded 12 1/2 sacks in 2023 before recording 12 sacks, 18 tackles for loss, 22 quarterback hits, and four forced fumbles in his lone Pro Bowl season. He took a bit of a step back last season, in terms of box score stats, but his Pro Football Focus grades still looked good. He should be able to bounce back with seven-plus sacks in 2026.

The Bengals may be able to get him for less than expected because he's due $38 million over the next two seasons. Adding him to the Bengals defense would certainly be an upgrade. If they can do it at an affordable price, this idea certainly makes sense.

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