New Philadelphia Eagles edge rusher Jonathan Greenard would like to forget about what happened in the past year with the Minnesota Vikings
Greenard's 2025 campaign was pretty forgettable after having 12 or more sacks in 2023 and 2024. He posted just three sacks last year and missed the end of the season with an injury.
Now that the Eagles traded for him during the 2026 NFL Draft and gave him a new contract extension, things appear to be going in a much better direction for Greenard. NFL.com writer Nick Shook listed Greenard on a list of players who should improve in the new season.
"Greenard’s inclusion might seem misplaced to those who already understand how good he is. At 29 years old, how much better can he get? Well, after Greenard posted just three sacks in an injury-riddled 2025 campaign, Minnesota sent him packing for Philadelphia, where the Eagles were happy to welcome one of the most consistently underrated edge rushers in the NFL. Greenard’s third team in four seasons presents him with one of the best opportunities of his career. He joins a front that includes Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis, and he will rush opposite the incredibly athletic Nolan Smith. He’s playing for defensive mastermind Vic Fangio. All of the ingredients are there for Greenard to produce a remarkable rebound season in a defense that saw Jaelan Phillips make a difference as a midseason acquisition and eventually cash in on a nine-figure deal with the Panthers. With all due respect to Phillips, Greenard is an upgrade. You’ll see why this season."
Eagles fans should prepare for a monster 2026 season from Jonathan Greenard
Despite the "down" year in 2025, Greenard still put up good enough numbers that show he didn't exactly lose a step in his game. Pro Football Focus still gave him an overall grade of 74.2, ranking 31st out of 115 eligible edge rushers, while also posting a pass-rush grade of 77.6, ranking 18th. Greenard had 47 pressures and 35 hurries last season to add to the three sacks.
While a lot of people focus on what he can do as a pass rusher and replacing Phillips, Greenard is just as good a run stopper. PFF gave him a 77.8 grade in run defense, ranking 12th among edge rushers. This is an aspect of the Eagles' defense that needed some attention, as they were ranked 22nd in the NFL last year in run defense, allowing 124.4 yards per game.
It helps that the Eagles should have a healthy Jalen Carter back 100%, along with newly paid Jordan Davis and Moro Ojomo also at defensive tackle. Philly didn't do as well defending the run off the edges, which is where Greenard might be able to help the defense as much as the pass rush.
Read more: Eagles coach took a shot from former player that'll catch fans' attention
Everyone always wants to talk about the A.J. Brown trade, but the Eagles move everyone really should be focused on is adding Greenard. That might be the one that'll get the Eagles back in the conversation for a Super Bowl in 2026.
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