You can tell it’s draft day because NFL writers are accidentally leaking what they consider done-deal trades. That happened on Thursday when The Guardian‘s Ollie Connolly spoke on a podcast as if Minnesota Vikings outside linebacker Jonathan Greenard had already been shipped to the Philadelphia Eagles.

The rumor cooled. Then it got fresh oxygen.

Of course, Connolly’s admission can’t be taken as gospel, but it adds another layer to the Greenard trade rumor mill that has taken on a life of its own in the last six weeks.

Philadelphia Keeps Hovering Over Minnesota’s Greenard Speculation

If Greenard gets traded, it will probably be to Philadelphia.

The Would-Be Leak

Connolly hopped on a podcast with Jon Ledyard, The Read Option Show, and spilled the beans on Greenard to Nick Sirianni’s team.

Here’s how the conversation went down:

Ledyard: Alright, Philly’s on the clock here, and you’re saying they’re getting Jonathan Greenard, huh? Is this breaking news, or is this out there?

Connolly: I assume it’s out there, right?

Ledyard: I don’t think so, Ollie.

Connolly: Ok. Uh-oh…

Ledyard: Gonna get aggregated.

Connolly: This has become tricky. I think the edge need will be sold on the second day of the draft both through a trade and through trying to find one of the real spaces off of the ball and adding another pass rusher to the mix.

So, yes, that’s where we’re at in the Greenard trade sweepstakes — accidental leaks.

The Possible Trade Packages

The working theory suggests the Vikings won’t accept anything less than a 2nd-Rounder for Greenard, who is arguably a Top 15 EDGE defender. If the Connolly leak is accurate, a deal might be as straightforward as this:

Or, if Minnesota must loosen its criteria, the Eagles might pry Greenard away from a couple of 3rd-Rounders:

It’s worth noting, sadly, that if the Vikings used the 2nd-Round pick on a replacement outside linebacker due to Greenard’s exit, the 2nd Round is notorious for yielding disappointing EDGEs. Round 1 is the hot spot.

SB Nation‘s Alexis Chassen added on the Connolly tidbit, “Connolly goes on to talk about how the Eagles might look at drafting an offensive lineman to wait in line behind Lane Johnson, or a wide receiver to replace A.J. Brown, but ultimately he proposes the team goes with an OT with their first round pick.

“The Eagles getting Greenard also tracks with other recent reports that the team was looking to add veteran players and could use their draft capital to make moves. We’ll have to wait to see if this ends up transpiring, but Howie Roseman loves making a trade, so if he wants Greenard, he’ll figure it out.”

The Evolution of Greenard Trade Rumors

On March 3rd, ESPN’s Adam Schefter gave birth to all trade rumors about Greenard, reporting he was available and the Vikings were open to offers. The timing seemed ideal as free agency approached, offering Minnesota an opportunity to acquire a Day 2 draft pick.

However, contract realities quickly emerged. While Greenard’s $19 million per year isn’t considered top-tier for an EDGE rusher, any acquiring team would likely require a significant contract extension — probably $35 million per year — which significantly narrowed the pool of potential suitors.

Widening market trends since arrived. Houston’s recent deal with Will Anderson, reportedly worth $50 million annually, set a new benchmark for elite pass rushers. Philadelphia initially appeared to be a logical destination, but reports suggested they were hesitant about a substantial extension, particularly given Greenard’s production of just 3 sacks in 12 games.

Retaining Greenard should align with the Vikings’ broader objectives. As Minnesota aims to be a legitimate contender, consistent pass-rush production is vital. Greenard fits this need, and securing him with a market-value extension appears to be the most straightforward solution. For example, if Greenard is traded to Philadelphia or anywhere, the Vikings will have an OLB need.

On Philadelphia’s side, the Eagles’ two main EDGE defenders are Nolan Smith and Jalyx Hunt. They probably need more juice than that. Hence the Greenard trade rumors.

If True, OLB Cannot Be Ruled Out for Vikings on Thursday

Pretend Connolly’s leak was rooted in fact. Minnesota may draft Greenard’s replacement on Thursday night to get out in front of the deal. Auburn’s Keldric Faulk may be on the board for Minnesota. He’s young with a lot of upside. Miami’s Akheem Mesidor is also expected to go off the board in Round 1, though he’s an old rookie, turning 25 during the 2026 regular season.

If you see Minnesota draft an outside linebacker on Thursday, know that a Greenard trade may be on the horizon.