NFL Rumors: Texans FA Jonathan Greenard, Vikings Agree to 4-Year, $76M Contract
Jonathan Greenard turned a career year into a very nice payday in free agency this offseason.
The edge-rusher agreed to a deal with the Minnesota Vikings on Monday, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero, taking one of the better pass-rushers off the market.
Greenard will sign a four-year, $76 million contract, via ESPN's Adam Schefter:
The 26-year-old registered 12.5 sacks, 52 tackles (15 for loss), 22 quarterback hits, two passes defensed and a forced fumble in 15 games this past season for the Houston Texans, helping the team return to the playoffs.
It was the 2020 third-round pick's first year with double-digit sacks, though he did post a solid eight sacks in the 2021 campaign.
Alongside players like rookie edge-rusher Will Anderson (seven sacks), cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. (five interceptions) and linebacker Blake Cashman (106 tackles), Greenard helped turn around the defense in DeMeco Ryans first year at head coach.
The emergence of rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud took care of the offensive side of the ball and the Texans surprisingly won 10 games, smoked the Cleveland Browns in the Wild Card Round and finished the season as one of the NFL's best stories.
Losing Greeard is a blow for these Texans, but the team may be focusing financial resources on other positions in free agency and could always address the edge with the No. 23 pick at April's NFL draft.
Their loss is the Vikings' gain, as they add a dynamic pass-rusher who could end up being one of the sneakier and more impactful signings this offseason.
