One of the more underrated pass-rushers in the 2023 NFL season will receive a contract from a new team that is commensurate with his abilities. Jonathan Greenard, selected by the Houston Texans in the third round of the 2020 draft, has agreed to terms with the Minnesota Vikings on a new deal that will give him $76 million total and $42 million over the next four seasons.
Greenard was one of the league’s most effective pressure providers last season — his 14 sacks tied him with Aidan Hutchinson of the Detroit Lions for sixth in the league, and he had 53 total pressures in just 440 pass-rushing snaps. Add in his 37 stops and two forced fumbles, and it’s become clear that for the Houston Texans last season, Greenard was one of the best at his position. Greenard had flashes of greatness earlier in his career, but 2023 was when it really came together, and he’ll be 27 years old in May.
Jonathan Greenard didn't completely come out of nowhere last season (eight sacks and 27 total pressures in 2021), but 14 sacks and 53 total pressures look pretty, pretty good in a contract year! He can also throw the ball for your quarterback, if you're into that sort of thing. pic.twitter.com/KXG3yFaHfj
— Doug Farrar ✍ (@NFL_DougFarrar) March 8, 2024
Whether this means that the Vikings are letting Danielle Hunter walk in free agency is a matter we’ll see resolved sooner than later.