Eagles depth chart projection: How Jonathan Greenard trade impacts Philadelphia's defense originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.Over a month after watching Jaelan Phillips leave in free agency, the Philadelphia Eagles have found their new top pass rusher.The Minnesota Vikings made a draft-night trade with the Eagles on Friday, sending out former Pro Bowl outside linebacker Jonathan Greenard in exchange for draft compensation. Additionally, Greenard has already agreed to a new extension with Philadelphia.Greenard, with two double-digit sack seasons to his name, is set to step in as the Eagles' most talented pass rusher in 2026.Here's a look at the Greenard trade and how he'll fit in with Philadelphia.2026 NFL DRAFT HQ:Live tracker | Pick-by-pick grades | Best players still availableJonathan Greenard trade detailsEagles receive: OLB Jonathan Greenard, No. 244 overall pickVikings receive: No. 98 overall pick, 2027 third-round pickThe two teams came to official terms on Friday night, with the Eagles receiving Greenard and the No. 244 overall pick in this year's draft, sending out the No. 98 pick and their third-rounder next year.It was a deal that was heavily rumored in recent weeks after the Eagles watched Phillips sign a $120 million deal with the Carolina Panthers, leaving them without a true impact pass rusher.
With the Vikings facing cap constraints this offseason, Greenard had become a trade candidate despite his status as one of the more productive defenders in the league.Now, the Eagles are officially adding Greenard, while the Vikings can add some young talent at No. 98 and in the third round next year. The #Vikings have acquired a pair of 3rd-round picks from Philadelphia in exchange for OLB Jonathan Greenard and #244 overall in this year's draft. https://t.co/UxKXfkEjZHpic.twitter.com/TZuoej61Ao— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) April 25, 2026NFL DRAFT RANKINGS 2026:QBs | WRs | TEs | EDGE | RBsJonathan Greenard contract extensionYears: 4Amount: $98 millionAccording to Adam Schefter, the Eagles agreed to an extension with Greenard as part of the deal.
He is being locked into a four-year, $98 million contract that includes $50 million guaranteed.Greenard, entering his age-29 season, will now be under contract with Philadelphia through the 2029 season at $24.5 million per year, which makes him tied with Montez Sweat as the 15th-highest-paid edge rusher in the NFL, per Spotrac.MORE 2026 NFL DRAFT:Complete 7-round mock draftTrade predictions for the first roundWhere will each quarterback go in 2026 draft?Why the Eagles traded for Jonathan GreenardFor a team usually known for its presence off the edge, the Eagles' group of pass rushers was looking a bit thin heading into the NFL Draft thanks to Phillips' departure. After Philadelphia acquired Phillips at the 2025 trade deadline, he became the team's most consistent sack weapon.Phillips' absence left the Eagles without a star-level pass rusher; Nolan Smith Jr., Moro Ojomo and Jihaad Campbell were the best names on the roster, all younger and capable, but not yet in the "elite" category.Greenard changes that.
He isn't quite at an All-Pro level, but he did have back-to-back 12-sack seasons in Houston and Minnesota between 2023 and 2024. Last season, over 12 games, Greenard posted three sacks in 12 games.As a cheaper alternative to Phillips, Greenard is set to become the Eagles' lead pass rusher, also a capable mentor to players like Campbell and Smith.Eagles depth chart projectionPositionFirst TeamSecond TeamThird TeamDEMoro OjomoGabe HallTa'Quon GrahamDTJordan DavisTy RobinsonDTJalen CarterByron YoungOLBJonathan GreenardNolan Smith Jr.Joe Tyron-SchoyinkaWLBZack BaunSmael Mondon Jr.Chandler MartinMLBJihaad CampbellJeremiah Trotter Jr.Chance CampbellOLBJalyx HuntArnold EbiketieJose RamirezCBQuinyon MitchellJakorian BennettMac McWilliamsCBRiq WoolenMichael Carter IIJ.T.
GraySMarcus EppsAndre SamBrandon JohnsonSAndrew MukubaKelee RingoTariq Castro-FieldsNBCooper DeJeanJonathan JonesThe Eagles have retooled some key spots in their defense this offseason, despite retaining most of their 2024 Super Bowl core. While fixtures like Jordan Davis, Jalen Carter and Quinyon Mitchell remain in place, Riq Woolen should be a far more proven CB2, while Greenard slots in as the new lead pass rusher. Philadelphia also added some depth in Arnold Ebiketie.However, Vic Fangio will also be eyeing more development from young pieces like Andrew Mukuba in the safety room. The Eagles' defense is at a point where it features an intriguing blend of proven stars, veteran newcomers and young talent with a path to starting reps.