Evaluating the Vikings’ Risky Move: Is Jonathan Greenard Worth the Investment?
The Minnesota Vikings have been facing tough choices this offseason, and one move, in particular, is raising eyebrows and sparking debates about its potential consequences.
Brad Gagnon from Bleacher Report has singled out the signing of edge defender Jonathan Greenard as the team’s most questionable move. The Vikings inked Greenard to a hefty four-year deal worth $76 million, prompting concerns about whether he might end up being a high-priced disappointment.
Gagnon’s assessment isn’t entirely unfounded. While Greenard’s performance with the Houston Texans in 2022 was hampered by a calf injury, limiting him to just 1.5 sacks in eight games, his rookie year in 2020 also saw modest numbers with only 1.0 sack across 13 games.
However, Greenard’s trajectory took a positive turn in 2021 when he notched 8 sacks, and he reached a career-high of 12.5 sacks in 2023, his first season with a competitive team like the Texans, who made it to the playoffs. Pro Football Focus (PFF) credited Greenard with 14 sacks last season, highlighting his effectiveness as a pass rusher.
Despite these promising signs, there’s still skepticism surrounding Greenard’s ability to justify his hefty paycheck. The Vikings had the option to retain star pass rusher Danielle Hunter, who had a stellar 2023 season with 16.5 sacks and 23 tackles for loss, but he opted to join the Texans instead.
This swap of edge rushers came with its own set of risks. While Hunter has a solid track record, he’s approaching 30 and has dealt with injuries in the past, including missing the entire 2020 season due to a neck injury.
In addition to Hunter, the Vikings also parted ways with Marcus Davenport, who struggled with injuries during his brief tenure with the team. Davenport’s departure paved the way for the acquisition of Andrew Van Ginkel from the Miami Dolphins, adding another layer of uncertainty to the Vikings’ defensive lineup.
As Greenard prepares to embark on his tenure with the Vikings, questions linger about whether he can deliver on the expectations set by his lucrative contract. With Hunter’s departure and Davenport’s injury-plagued stint behind them, the Vikings are banking on Greenard to step up and justify his status as a premier signing. Only time will tell if he can live up to the hype and prove his detractors wrong.
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