Back in March of 2024, Philadelphia Eagles general manager Howie Roseman was on the hunt for edge help.
With Jonathan Greenard on the open market, Roseman instead elected to ink Bryce Huff. And while things certainly didn't go as planned with that decision, the Eagles circled back on the idea and landed the fierce pass rusher by way of their draft weekend deal with Minnesota.
Following a bit of a down season stat-wise (three sacks) amid a campaign hampered by an ongoing shoulder injury, a fully healthy Greenard will look to return to a dominant level that saw him clock 24.5 sacks in the previous two seasons. And while the pressures, the hurries, and the sacks are sure to endear him to Philly fans from the jump, the impact Greenard will have on this younger defense is equally, if not more important, than those expected numbers will be.
Younger edge talent sure to learn from selfless, savvy vet
Greenard slots in at edge with Jalyx Hunt and Nolan Smith, the younger pair of homegrown Eagles with plenty of room left to grow, as well as fellow newcomer Arnold Ebiketie, who is still honing his skillset entering his fifth NFL season out of Penn State. And based on all the reports from former coaches and teammates, the former Viking will absolutely make an impact in this group's development.
Strong presence: on the practice field, in film study, on gamedays
Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores, long considered one of the top defensive minds in the game, often took time in interviews and pressers to cite the impact Greenard - a team captain - had on his teammates. Flores has described the seven-year vet and Florida Gator alum as "foundational", "selfless," and a "very smart player". In a sports world obsessed with statistics, those traits will be put to great use not only in this edge group, but as an integral component of this young Eagles defensive unit as well.
While Greenard starred alongside fellow veteran edge Andrew Van Ginkel in Minnesota, he was also instrumental in helping fuel the progression of former first-rounder Dallas Turner, often putting in extra work with the talented Alabama pass rusher.
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Greenard can now apply those same leadership traits and that endearing, selfless approach to Hunt, Smith, and this explosive cast of younger Philadelphia defenders.
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