Jonathan Greenard is no longer a member of the Minnesota Vikings, but there is a chance that less could be more off the edge in Minneapolis if the franchise goes about replacing him the right way.
Former first-round pick Dallas Turner (No. 17 overall in 2024) is the likeliest candidate to step into a full-time starting role following Greenard’s departure to the Philadelphia Eagles in return for two third-round picks.
Even at first-round money, Turner is a far less expensive option than Greenard, who asked out of Minnesota because he wanted a raise and just inked an approximately $100 million deal.
However, that leaves pass-rush depth a major question for the Vikings behind Turner and Andrew Van Ginkel. Minnesota can address that roster deficiency with any one of a handful of accomplished veterans who are situational pass-rushers at this point in their respective careers and remain available via free agency, including seven-time All-Pro Von Miller.
The league’s active leader with 138.5 sacks across his 15-year career (203 games played), Miller tallied nine of those as a member of the Washington Commanders last year. He played 420 snaps on defense, including 289 pass-rush snaps, producing 36 QB pressures and 22 hurries.
He will play next season at 37 years old and has a projected market value of $5.8 million on a one-year contract in 2026. Trading Greenard cleared considerable salary cap space for Minnesota, and the team has close to $16.1 million in room as of Monday, April 27.
Ari Meirov of “The 33rd Team” also noted on X that an important benchmark this offseason has now passed, which makes the addition of free agents less onerous on NFL franchises.
“Important: Teams are now officially allowed to sign free agents without it affecting the compensatory [pick] formula,” Meirov wrote.
Dallas Turner Led Vikings in Sacks Last Season
GettyEdge-rusher Dallas Turner of the Minnesota Vikings.
Turner’s eight sacks during his second pro season led the team last year, while his 11 tackles for loss tied for third alongside Van Ginkel.
Minnesota will require Turner to continue to develop in Brian Flores‘ defense, though the Vikings are equipped to manufacture pressure on opposing quarterbacks in non-traditional ways — a unit skill the team appeared to augment with its draft choices across last weekend.
Defensive tackle Caleb Banks should elevate the defensive front’s ability to create pressure and defend against the run. However, the team’s selection of him at No. 18 in Round 1 despite his size/history of foot injuries is cause for some concern regarding his immediate availability and likelihood of longevity.
Linebacker Jake Golday, Minnesota’s second-round pick, tallied 3.5 sacks last season at Cincinnati and should be an asset in Flores’ unique blitz packages.
Vikings Have Other Pass-Rush Options Similar to Von Miller
GettyFree agent pass-rusher Von Miller.
Miller is not the only edge-rush specialist Minnesota can acquire in the weeks ahead.
Other possibilities include Jadeveon Clowney, who played last year for the Dallas Cowboys, as well as longtime New Orleans Saints pass-rusher Cameron Jordan — both of whom should be available on one-year contracts as well.
Joey Bosa, who played for the Buffalo Bills in 2025, is also a free agent. However, he is likely to command a multi-year deal at a higher price point, which could render him a less attractive option to Minnesota.
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