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Eagles depth chart projection: How Jonathan Greenard trade impacts Philadelphia's defense originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Over a month after watching Jaelan Phillips leave in free agency, the Philadelphia Eagles have found their new top pass rusher.
The Minnesota Vikings made a draft-night trade with the Eagles on Friday, sending out former Pro Bowl outside linebacker Jonathan Greenard in exchange for draft compensation. Additionally, Greenard has already agreed to a new extension with Philadelphia.
Greenard, with two double-digit sack seasons to his name, is set to step in as the Eagles' most talented pass rusher in 2026.
Here's a look at the Greenard trade and how he'll fit in with Philadelphia.
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Jonathan Greenard trade details
- Eagles receive: OLB Jonathan Greenard, No. 244 overall pick
- Vikings receive: No. 98 overall pick, 2027 third-round pick
The two teams came to official terms on Friday night, with the Eagles receiving Greenard and the No. 244 overall pick in this year's draft, sending out the No. 98 pick and their third-rounder next year.
It was a deal that was heavily rumored in recent weeks after the Eagles watched Phillips sign a $120 million deal with the Carolina Panthers, leaving them without a true impact pass rusher. With the Vikings facing cap constraints this offseason, Greenard had become a trade candidate despite his status as one of the more productive defenders in the league.
Now, the Eagles are officially adding Greenard, while the Vikings can add some young talent at No. 98 and in the third round next year.
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Jonathan Greenard contract extension
- Years: 4
- Amount: $98 million
According to Adam Schefter, the Eagles agreed to an extension with Greenard as part of the deal. He is being locked into a four-year, $98 million contract that includes $50 million guaranteed.
Greenard, entering his age-29 season, will now be under contract with Philadelphia through the 2029 season at $24.5 million per year, which makes him tied with Montez Sweat as the 15th-highest-paid edge rusher in the NFL, per Spotrac.
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Why the Eagles traded for Jonathan Greenard
For a team usually known for its presence off the edge, the Eagles' group of pass rushers was looking a bit thin heading into the NFL Draft thanks to Phillips' departure. After Philadelphia acquired Phillips at the 2025 trade deadline, he became the team's most consistent sack weapon.
Phillips' absence left the Eagles without a star-level pass rusher; Nolan Smith Jr., Moro Ojomo and Jihaad Campbell were the best names on the roster, all younger and capable, but not yet in the "elite" category.
Greenard changes that. He isn't quite at an All-Pro level, but he did have back-to-back 12-sack seasons in Houston and Minnesota between 2023 and 2024. Last season, over 12 games, Greenard posted three sacks in 12 games.
As a cheaper alternative to Phillips, Greenard is set to become the Eagles' lead pass rusher, also a capable mentor to players like Campbell and Smith.
Eagles depth chart projection
| Position | First Team | Second Team | Third Team |
| DE | Moro Ojomo | Gabe Hall | Ta'Quon Graham |
| DT | Jordan Davis | Ty Robinson | |
| DT | Jalen Carter | Byron Young | |
| OLB | Jonathan Greenard | Nolan Smith Jr. | Joe Tyron-Schoyinka |
| WLB | Zack Baun | Smael Mondon Jr. | Chandler Martin |
| MLB | Jihaad Campbell | Jeremiah Trotter Jr. | Chance Campbell |
| OLB | Jalyx Hunt | Arnold Ebiketie | Jose Ramirez |
| CB | Quinyon Mitchell | Jakorian Bennett | Mac McWilliams |
| CB | Riq Woolen | Michael Carter II | J.T. Gray |
| S | Marcus Epps | Andre Sam | Brandon Johnson |
| S | Andrew Mukuba | Kelee Ringo | Tariq Castro-Fields |
| NB | Cooper DeJean | Jonathan Jones |
The Eagles have retooled some key spots in their defense this offseason, despite retaining most of their 2024 Super Bowl core. While fixtures like Jordan Davis, Jalen Carter and Quinyon Mitchell remain in place, Riq Woolen should be a far more proven CB2, while Greenard slots in as the new lead pass rusher. Philadelphia also added some depth in Arnold Ebiketie.
However, Vic Fangio will also be eyeing more development from young pieces like Andrew Mukuba in the safety room. The Eagles' defense is at a point where it features an intriguing blend of proven stars, veteran newcomers and young talent with a path to starting reps.
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