Could the Chargers Trade for Jonathan Greenard?

The Los Angeles Chargers chose not to place the franchise tag on standout edge rusher Odafe Oweh before Tuesday’s deadline, leaving the future of their pass rush somewhat uncertain. While bringing back Oweh and veteran Khalil Mack remains a priority for the Bolts, the team could explore an alternative route—especially with the Minnesota Vikings reportedly open to trading former Pro Bowl defensive end Jonathan Greenard, according to ESPN senior NFL insider Adam Schefter.

Minnesota would prefer to keep the 28-year-old pass rusher, whom they signed to a four-year, $76 million contract as an unrestricted free agent in 2024. However, ongoing salary cap challenges have sparked trade discussions as the team works through its financial situation.

Greenard, a former third-round pick of the Houston Texans out of the University of Florida, spent his first four seasons in H-Town. He recorded 23 sacks, 97 total pressures, three forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and one interception during his four-year tenure with the team.

After signing with the Vikings, Greenard earned his first Pro Bowl nod in his first season with the team, posting 12 sacks, 84 total pressures and four forced fumbles. This past season, however, was a down year by his standards, as he finished with just three sacks, 47 total pressures and one forced fumble in 12 games for Minnesota.

That being said, Greenard has firmly established himself as one of the premier pass rushers in the league when healthy, already recording two double-digit sack seasons over the span of his six-year career. Although a season-ending left shoulder injury that required surgery derailed his 2025 campaign, he remains in the prime of his career and could make an immediate impact for Los Angeles. If the Chargers are unable to retain either Odafe Oweh or Khalil Mack, pairing Greenard opposite the remaining edge would immediately elevate the pass rush and give the defense a legitimate building block up front for the foreseeable future.

For the Chargers, making a move of this magnitude is financially feasible. The team is projected to have more than $90 million in cap space heading into next week after releasing starting guard Mekhi Becton.

In 2026, Greenard is scheduled to earn a base salary of $18.39 million along with a $100,000 workout bonus, while carrying a cap hit of $22.15 million and a dead cap of $9.9 million. With that level of financial freedom, Los Angeles is well-positioned to be aggressive should the opportunity present itself.