Vikings Shopping Jonathan Greenard? Why Bears Could Jump At This Reported Bargain
Last year, the Chicago Bears took advantage of the Kansas City Chiefs being in a salary cap crunch by trading for star left guard Joe Thuney. It only cost them a 4th round pick, and Thuney became an All-Pro in 2025, helping the Bears reach the playoffs. Now some are wondering if lightning could strike twice. Lots of the trade buzz around Chicago lately has been centered on Maxx Crosby, the Raiders’ superstar pass rusher. However, the price tag to get him is going to be steep. At least one 1st round pick and maybe two. However, an alternative may have just opened up in Minnesota. It appears the Vikings are shopping Jonathan Greenard.
Minnesota signed the pass rusher in 2024, and he immediately made the Pro Bowl with 12 sacks. Unfortunately, a shoulder injury slowed him last season, and now his contract has become too expensive for the cash-strapped Vikings. Greenard has two years left on his deal and turns 29 in May.
This idea is far more appealing to Chicago for two reasons. First, Greenard’s contract is less expensive than Crosby’s would be. Around $16 million less per year. Second, the price tag to get him is far lower, with Minnesota hoping to receive a “day two” pick for him, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. That means a 2nd or 3rd. Far less than Crosby as well.
Jonathan Greenard is the much more sensible pursuit.
The Bears can more easily fit his contract onto their books than Crosby’s. His skill set as a speed rusher also aligns with what they need. With Montez Sweat, they already have their power guy. Greenard would be a perfect complement to him. Look at it this way. Giving up a 2nd round pick might sound steep, but that selection is towards the back end of the round. The Bears would retain their 1st-round pick, allowing them to address another position of need, such as left tackle or defensive tackle. Would you rather gamble on a proven commodity like Greenard or on a 2nd-round offensive or defensive lineman?
Obviously, the question is whether Minnesota would consider trading him to Chicago. They are division rivals, after all. The Vikings made significant deals with Detroit and Green Bay. They swung a deal with the Lions for T.J. Hockenson and then allowed the Packers to move up for Christian Watson in the 2022 draft. Of course, all of that was done with Kwesi Adofo-Mensah as the general manager. He was fired a few weeks ago. It isn’t known if his replacement would be as open to the idea.
| Feature | Maxx Crosby | Jonathan Greenard |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 28 | 28 |
| Current Salary (AAV) | $35.5 Million | $19.0 Million |
| Career Sacks | 69.5 | 38.0 |
| Seasons Played | 7 seasons (Drafted 2019) | 6 seasons (Drafted 2020) |
The Bears need to decide how aggressive they want to be.
Drew Dalman’s sudden retirement complicated matters. Suddenly, they have two key offensive line positions to address in addition to defensive tackle and edge rusher. They must be sure a trade for Jonathan Greenard solves one of those problems. If they can somehow get him without giving up a 2nd round pick, that would be a big win. Philadelphia got Jaelan Phillips for a 3rd rounder last year. That feels like the ballpark for what Minnesota can get for Greenard, given his contract and recent injury problem.
This move would allow the Bears to narrow their focus going into the 2026 draft. Their 25th overall pick could go for either a new left tackle or a defensive tackle. The latter would certainly make Chicago’s front look far more imposing than last year. A trio of Greenard, Montez Sweat, and Austin Booker might finally give them a rotation that offenses can’t escape.