The Houston Texans aren’t re-signing Jonathan Greenard.
The defensive end agreed to a deal with the Minnesota Vikings, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero. Greenard agreed to a four-year, $76 million deal that includes $42 million in guaranteed money, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Former Texans pass-rusher Jonathan Greenard is signing a four-year $76 million deal that includes $42 million guaranteed with the Vikings, per his agents Drew Rosenhaus and Robert Bailey.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 11, 2024
This is a big loss for Houston, as Greenard led the team with 12.5 sacks, 22 quarterback hits and 15 tackles for a loss in 2023. He and NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Will Anderson Jr. formed one of the best pass-rushing duos that helped the Texans win multiple games this season.
The former 2020 third-round pick flashed potential during his sophomore season with eight sacks but suffered a season-ending calf injury midway through the 2022 season. Greenard rebounded well in 2023, though, in DeMeco Ryans and Matt Burke’s defense. He tallied three sacks in the first four weeks and recorded multiple sacks in four games this year.
Now, Greenard heads to Minnesota to play in Brian Flores’ defense.
Houston could look to replace Greenard this offseason in free agency or in the draft with the No. 23 overall pick.