Major splash signing kicks off Vikings 2024 free agency journey

Shortly after the NFL's legal tampering period began on Monday, the Minnesota Vikings reportedly agreed to a lucrative multi-year contract with pass rusher Jonathan Greenard.

As they look to improve their roster before returning to the field for the 2024 season, the Minnesota Vikings didn't waste much time on Monday after the NFL's legal tampering period opened up at 11 a.m. CST.

Shortly after the Vikings were "legally" allowed to negotiate contracts with pending free agents who weren't on their 2023 roster, multiple reports revealed that the team has agreed to a deal with standout pass rusher Jonathan Greenard.

Greenard has spent all four of his seasons in the NFL as a member of the Houston Texans. In 15 games with the Texans in 2023, he accumulated 32 pressures, 15 tackles for a loss, and 12.5 sacks.

Minnesota Vikings reportedly sign pass rusher Jonathan Greenard to a multi-year contract

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Minnesota and the up-and-coming pass rusher have agreed to a four-year contract worth $76 million and it includes $42 million in guarantees.

Greenard should be a great fit for the Vikings' defense run by Brian Flores next season. He's still only 26-years-old, so he has the potential to really blossom into a tremendous pass rusher for Minnesota during the next few seasons.

With the addition of Greenard, does this mean Minnesota is moving on from Danielle Hunter?

Hunter is a free agent this offseason, and he's spent his entire nine-year career in the NFL as a member of the Vikings. Many have expected him to try and cash in somewhere this offseason, so he might now be out of Minnesota's price range after their reported signing of Greenard.

It would be amazing if the Vikings could enter the 2024 season with both Hunter and Greenard as their top two edge rushers. But Minnesota likely doesn't have the money to do that unless Hunter takes a major discount or the team does some incredible cap gymnastics.

For all of the other Vikings' arrivals and departures during this year's free agency period, make sure to check out our free-agent tracker.