PHOENIX — Kevin O’Connell isn’t slamming the door on a Jonathan Greenard trade, but he expects the veteran pass rusher to remain a cornerstone of the Minnesota defense in 2026. Speaking at the NFL’s annual league meetings, the Vikings head coach confirmed that while trade inquiries exist, Greenard’s recovery from a shoulder injury is on track for a third season in purple.
The $22 Million Question
Minnesota faces a squeeze. Greenard carries a heavy $22.15 million cap hit this year, a figure that sparked rumors of a potential move to recoup draft capital. Despite missing the end of the 2025 season, Greenard remained a force on the edge, posting an elite 13.5% pressure rate. The Vikings defense felt his absence late in the year, and O’Connell seems loath to let that production walk away unless the offer is overwhelming.
The roster flux isn’t limited to the defense. Rumors are swirling that the Vikings might get aggressive in next month’s draft. Insiders suggest Minnesota is eyeing a jump from the 18th pick to the 11th spot in a deal with the Miami Dolphins. The target? Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love. The Doak Walker Award winner exploded for 1,372 rushing yards and 19 touchdowns in 2025. Adding a “home-run hitter” like Love would provide the explosive backfield presence Minnesota has lacked.
“I expect him to be part of our team. I know there are always conversations this time of year, but I’m excited about Jonathan in Year 3. He’s one of our captains, and our relationship is paramount.”
— Kevin O’Connell, Vikings Head Coach
Quarterback Duel: Murray vs. McCarthy
While the Greenard situation simmers, the spotlight remains fixed on the quarterback room. O’Connell refused to name a starter between veteran Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy. Murray joined the team on a $1.3 million veteran minimum deal, a steal facilitated by the Arizona Cardinals covering the bulk of his remaining salary. This “team-friendly” arrangement buys Minnesota time and creates a legitimate training camp battle.
The pressure is squarely on McCarthy. His 2025 rookie campaign was a roller coaster, finishing with a 57.6% completion rate and 12 interceptions across 10 starts. The young signal-caller showed flashes of brilliance, including a two-touchdown performance against Chicago, but consistency remains the hurdle. Murray’s arrival isn’t just a safety net; it’s a challenge to the former Michigan star to prove he can lead a playoff-caliber offense.
Playoff Implications / What’s Next
The Vikings are threadng a needle between a “competitive rebuild” and a “win-now” window. Keeping Greenard signals an intent to remain a top-ten defensive unit, while a potential trade-up for Jeremiyah Love suggests a commitment to a ground-heavy, ball-control identity. If McCarthy doesn’t take a significant leap in accuracy during OTAs, expect the veteran Murray to take the first-team reps when camp opens in July. The next thirty days will determine if this roster is built for a deep January run or another year of transition.
