Eagles Praised for ‘Critical’ Jonathan Greenard Trade

By Michael GallagherSports Content CoordinatorShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberSee more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.The Philadelphia Eagles received glowing marks from seemingly every NFL analyst for their 2026 draft haul — a group that includes USC receiver Makai Lemon, Vanderbilt tight end Eli Stowers, North Dakota State quarterback Cole Payton, among others.But the Eagles made another move during draft weekend that turned quite a few heads.They acquired Pro Bowl edge-rusher Jonathan Greenard from the Minnesota Vikings in exchange for a pair of third-round picks. The team signed Greenard to a four-year, $100 million contract extension immediately after as well.Among the many fans of the trade is ESPN’s Seth Walder, who recently applauded the Eagles for finding a way to fill the big hole in their defense that was left when Jaelan Phillips bolted to the Carolina Panthers in free agency (Phillip signed a four-year, $120 million deal back in March).Walder gave the Eagles an "A-" grade for the trade, while the Vikings got a "C."...“The veteran edge-rusher immediately fills a need for Philadelphia, which needed more pass-rushing juice from the outside,” Walder wrote. “… It's fair to say that the Eagles are getting a legitimate top edge-rusher and a major upgrade over Jalyx Hunt to pair with Nolan Smith Jr.“… I would rather have Greenard than either (Odafe) Oweh or (Jaelan) Phillips. And the top of the edge rusher market — set this week by Will Anderson Jr. at $50 million per year — is double the APY Greenard just got. So, the Eagles filled a critical need with draft capital, but are getting a value price on the financials in exchange. That's nice team-building work.”Greenard, 28, had a down year in 2025 due to injuries. But in three of the previous four years, he was a dangerous pass-rusher coming off the edge.From 2021-2024, Greenard logged 34 sacks, 175 pressures, 109 hurries, and 31 QB hits, according to Pro Football Focus. His presence on Philly’s defense gives the team two credible edge-rushers on both sides of the defensive line in addition to defensive tackles Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter up the middle.Request Reprint & LicensingSubmit CorrectionView Editorial & AI GuidelinesRelated PodcastsTop StoriesPoliticsKing Charles and Queen Camilla Meet the Trumps at White House9 min readPoliticsThe Plots Against the Presidents4 min readWorldIran Heads to Russia for Help on US War—Why?6 min readPoliticsFact Check: Did Cole Allen Appear With Usha Vance in 2017 Video?3 min readFor MembersAnalysisTrump Is Right—Iran Has No Cards as Blockade Clock Ticks Down to May8 min readNewsSenator Calls for Hearing Over Trump’s Security as Ballroom Pressure Grows6 min readTrendingOhioSupreme Court Deals Final Blow to Ex-GOP Speaker in $60M Bribery Case4 min readSusan CollinsSusan Collins’ Chances of Losing Senate Seat Hit All-Time High5 min readDogsDog Trainer Reveals 5 Signs Your Pup Feels Emotionally Safe at Home3 min readShootingBrewery Appears to Cheer Trump Assassination Attempt, Provokes Backlash8 min readGreen CardGreen Card Update: Applicants Impacted by Trump Travel Ban Get Legal Win6 min readOpinionOpinionThe Trump Staged Shooting Conspiracies Need to Stop | Opinion6 min readOpinionThe DNC Didn’t Ban AIPAC, But Warning Signs Remain | Opinion5 min readOpinionWar Won’t Solve Iran’s Nuclear Threat. This Could | Opinion5 min readOpinionMillions of Clicks on…

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