The other three NFC North teams have been getting their jabs in over the last 24 hours at the Detroit Lions for trading veteran running back David Montgomery to the Houston Texans, which removed a key piece from their offense.
However, the Lions can now sit back and take a quick jab at the Minnesota Vikings, who have questions at quarterback, are reportedly releasing two veterans, and could be trading away one of their best defenders. On Tuesday, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the Vikings are "now open to trading" Pro Bowl pass rusher Jonathan Greenard.
Schefter adds the caveat that Minnesota would like to keep Greenard, but they also have salary cap issues that have prompted these conversations. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler also reports that teams "believe Minnesota wants a Day 2 pick" in return for Greenard.
Jonathan Greenard Trade Rumors Are Music to Lions’ Ears
The Lions’ coaching staff has to love the idea of not facing Greenard twice a season, possibly starting next season.
The 28-year-old Greenard has done some damage against the Lions since joining the Vikings in 2024. The veteran edge rusher has recorded two sacks, four tackles for loss, three quarterback hits, and a forced fumble in three games vs. Detroit.
Greenard saw his production take a dip in 2025 after he ripped off 12.5 sacks in 2024. He only had three sacks in 12 games due to a shoulder injury. None of those sacks were against Detroit this past season.
However, the Vikings’ defense still gave Jared Goff and Detroit’s offense fits, who dropped both regular-season games. Goff got hammered in the Christmas Day showdown vs. Minnesota, as he was sacked five times, fumbled three times, and threw two interceptions.
Minnesota made all this noise in that 16-3 without Greenard, which speaks volumes about Brian Flores’ scheme and the development of second-year pass rusher Dallas Turner, who had five combined tackles, a tackle for loss, a quarterback hit, and a half sack.
Turner is only getting better, as he recorded eight sacks in 2025. Therefore, Detroit is hoping those Greenard trade rumors come true, as it's easier to deal with Turner instead of both of those guys. Having said that, if Greenard isn’t moved, the Lions shouldn’t panic, as they have one of the better tackle duos in the league with Taylor Decker and Penei Sewell.Â
Sewell only gave up two sacks and 19 pressures across 601 pass blocking snaps in 2025, per Pro Football Focus. Meanwhile, Decker only surrendered two sacks, but 33 pressures across 551 pass blocking snaps. Decker will need to clean that up in 2026, but having those two will neutralize whoever the Vikings have or don’t have rushing the passer.
Needless to say, the next few weeks should be quite interesting in the NFC North as the Lions could find themselves closer towards the top of the division. Greenard's potential exit would certainly help with that dream.