Eagles Praised for ‘Critical' Jonathan Greenard Trade
The Philadelphia Eagles received glowing marks from seemingly every NFL analyst for their 2026 draft haul - a group that includes USC receiver Makai Lemon, Vanderbilt tight end Eli Stowers, North Dakota State quarterback Cole Payton, among others.
But the Eagles made another move during draft weekend that turned quite a few heads.
They acquired Pro Bowl edge-rusher Jonathan Greenard from the Minnesota Vikings in exchange for a pair of third-round picks. The team signed Greenard to a four-year, $100 million contract extension immediately after as well.
Among the many fans of the trade is ESPN's Seth Walder, who recently applauded the Eagles for finding a way to fill the big hole in their defense that was left when Jaelan Phillips bolted to the Carolina Panthers in free agency (Phillip signed a four-year, $120 million deal back in March).
Walder gave the Eagles an “A-” grade for the trade, while the Vikings got a “C.”
"The veteran edge-rusher immediately fills a need for Philadelphia, which needed more pass-rushing juice from the outside," Walder wrote. "… It’s fair to say that the Eagles are getting a legitimate top edge-rusher and a major upgrade over Jalyx Hunt to pair with Nolan Smith Jr.
"… I would rather have Greenard than either (Odafe) Oweh or (Jaelan) Phillips. And the top of the edge rusher market - set this week by Will Anderson Jr. at $50 million per year - is double the APY Greenard just got. So, the Eagles filled a critical need with draft capital, but are getting a value price on the financials in exchange. That’s nice team-building work."
Greenard, 28, had a down year in 2025 due to injuries. But in the three of the previous four years, he was a dangerous pass-rusher coming off the edge.
From 2021-2024, Greenard logged 34 sacks, 175 pressures, 109 hurries, and 31 QB hits, according to Pro Football Focus. His presence on Philly's defense gives the team two credible edge-rushers on both sides of the defensive line in addition to defensive tackles Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter up the middle.
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This story was originally published April 27, 2026 at 10:18 PM.