The Minnesota Vikings made a lot of moves this offseason to prepare for the 2026 NFL season. One of those moves was trading edge rusher Jonathan Greenard and the No. 255 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft to the Philadelphia Eagles for a third-round pick in 2026 and a third-round pick in 2027.
The trade seems a bit lopsided due to the production and talent of Greenard, but the edge rusher was looking for a big payday, and the Vikings weren't going to be the team footing that bill. In Philadelphia, he signed a four-year deal worth $100 million.
This means the purple and gold will look different on the edge this season, but it is debatable how big a need replacing him on the roster will be. However, that hasn't stopped a lot of people from linking the team to edge rushers in free agency ot through a trade.
Signing Jadeveon Clowney isn't a great idea for the Minnesota Vikings
Earlier this week, Vikings OnSI's Devon Platana shared an article about how Minnesota should pursue free agent edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney so they can have him for training camp.
Clowney is a former No. 1 overall draft pick in 2014, but is 33 years old and has played for seven teams in his 12-year career. He is also a three-time Pro Bowl edge rusher, but those accolades came from 2016-2018, and he hasn't recorded a double-digit sack season in his NFL career.
The Vikings will have Andrew Van Ginkel returning as one of their starting edge rushers, and it must be believed that the other spot will go to 2014 first-round pick Dallas Turner, who has thrived in limited action in Brian Flores' defense.
Even without Greenard, the purple and gold should have a solid pass rush unit that doesn't break the bank. Bringing in an older edge rusher who hasn't been a game-changer to force Turner back into a rotational role would be a mistake.
Dallas Turner is on his rookie deal and needs more snaps to showcase his potential. Although Clowney's price tag last season with the Dallas Cowboys was $3.45 million, any money that would go toward signing him could be used elsewhere for positions of bigger need or go toward an extension for a player like Jordan Addison.
Although Jadeveon Clowney is a recognizable name and a consistent player, the Minnesota Vikings do not need to bring him into training camp based on need. While it would be a fun signing, the purple and gold would be wise to pass unless something happens with Van Ginkel or Turner.
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