Patriots Should Target Pro Bowl Pass Rusher Reportedly Up For Trade

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The New England Patriots need to find ways to add to their pass rush, and a Minnesota Vikings Pro Bowler could help them.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Jonathan Greenard could be traded this offseason, and he could be a great addition to the Patriots. Greenard was a Pro Bowler in 2024, but the Vikings have salary cap issues they need to work out.

"Vikings are now open to trading Pro Bowl edge rusher Jonathan Greenard, per sources," Schefter reported on X on Tuesday. "They would like to keep Greenard, but they also have salary cap issues they’re working through that have led to these trade conversations."

Greenard had 25 sacks in 2023 and 2024, but just three sacks last season. He dealt with a shoulder injury that eventually ended his season. He had been playing through the injury, which could explain his lack of sack production last season.

He has two years left on his four-year, $76 million deal. He could be a great pickup for the Patriots if they think he can get back to playing like a star when healthy. The Patriots could use a double-digit sack producer, and Greenard could be that player. He has a $22 million cap hit in each of the next two seasons.

Trading for him would be a risk given his recent injury. However, it's a high-risk, high-reward move. Perhaps the Patriots could wait to see if the Vikings release him if they are unable to find a trade partner.