Former Florida EDGE Jonathan Greenard Cashing In With Minnesota Vikings

Jonathan Greenard, who starred on the edge of Florida's defense in 2019, is expected to sign a lucrative contract with Minnesota on Wednesday.

Photo: Former Florida EDGE Jonathan Greenard; Credit: University of Florida — Tim Casey

Former Florida edge rusher Jonathan Greenard is set to cash in once the NFL's new league year begins on Wednesday. He was one of the first impending free agents to agree to terms with a new club during the league's legal tampering period, which began Monday at noon ET.

By 12:38 p.m., reports surfaced that Greenard would be leaving Houston to sign a four-year, $76 million contract with Minnesota.

According to ESPN, the former Gators' deal will include $42 million in guaranteed money. 

Greenard, 26, appeared in 48 games, made 32 starts and accumulated 120 tackles, 23 sacks, 32 tackles for loss, one interception and eight pass breakups over four seasons with the Texans. 

He compiled single-season career-highs with 12.5 sacks and 15 tackles for loss sacks in 2023, over 15 games, leading to his big deal on the free agency market.

Houston selected Greenard in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft, with the No. 90 overall pick, following his First-Team All-SEC breakout with Florida in 2019.

The Hiram, Ga. product originally signed with Louisville in the recruiting class of 2015, and recorded 9.5 sacks and 22.5 tackles for loss between the 2016-17 seasons. But a dislocated wrist suffered in the first game of his 2018 campaign forced him out for the season, resulting in his decision to transfer to Florida and reunite with former Cardinals defensive coordinator, Todd Grantham. 

Greenard made an immediate impact with the Gators, posting 1.5 sacks and two tackles for loss in Week 0 against Miami. It marked one of five games in which Greenard tallied multiple tackles for loss, with his single-game high coming against Missouri, five. 

He totaled 9.5 sacks, 15.5 tackles for loss, 52 total tackles, three forced fumbles, one interception and five defended passes over 12 games with Florida. 

In Minnesota, Greenard is likely to replace edge rusher Danielle Hunter on the Vikings' defensive front. Hunter is expected to hit free agency on Wednesday, when his contract expires, after eight seasons, 119 appearances, 87.5 sacks, 108 tackles for loss, and 11 forced fumbles in purple and gold. 

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