The Jacksonville Jaguars just got the news that the NFL will increase the salary cap ceiling in 2026. That won't fully solve their space issues, but it will most definitely help them get under the cap. Once they do, the front office will need to address the larger scale roster.
While the Jags will most likely turn to the draft to bolster most position groups, they should be able to sign a few players in free agency. On top of that, expect general manager James Gladstone to make a few trades, having proved last year that he's willing to look at any possible venue to improve the team.
One team Gladstone should get on the phone with is the Minnesota Vikings. They just ousted general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and won't bring in a replacement until after the draft. For the time being, Rob Brzezinski will serve as the interim. This begs the question, which player should the Jags inquire with him about? One comes to mind.
The Jaguars need to call the Vikings about Jonathan Greenard
Following the ousting of Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, speculation has swirled about which players the Vikes could place on the trade block. T.J. Hockenson and Jordan Adisson have garnered plenty of attention, but the Jaguars need to set their sights on edge rusher Jonathan Greenard.
A third-round pick by the Houston Texans in 2020, Greenard landed in Minnesota in 2024. In his first season with the Vikes, he registered 12 sacks but only logged three last season. Some of his dip in production was due to a shoulder injury that forced him to miss five games.
Nevertheless, the former Florida Gator was still an effective pass rusher in 2025. On the other hand, he's been the subject of trade chatter because the Vikings could free up $19 million in space if they trade him post-June 1 or $12.2 million before that.
Whoever becomes the general manager for Minnesota could use draft ammo (or maybe a player) and the cap space that would come by trading Greenard. Because of his salary, maybe a third-round selection and a conditional fifth (or sixth) may get a deal done. The Jaguars have three picks in Round 3 (and plenty more in later rounds), so they could have the capital to pull it off.
By now, you may point out that Greenard just recorded two sacks in 2025. However, he racked up a combined 24.5 the previous two seasons, so he's most definitely worth taking a flyer on.
Why it makes sense for the Jaguars to trade for Jonathan Greenard
The Jaguars have a good-not-great pass rush. They have a talented duo in Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker, but need a No. 3 behind them. B.J. Green II and Danny Striggow showed promise last year, but neither is there yet. That's where having a veteran such as Jonathan Greenard around would come in handy.
With Greenard in the fold, the Jacksonville pass rush would stay fresh throughout the game. It would also allow Walker to move inside and allow the three of them to bring the heat. That would make it difficult for opposing teams to protect their quarterbacks.
Of course, the Jags would need to free up enough space to make a push for Greenard. Moreover, cornerback and defensive tackle may be bigger needs, so the team's brass may not make the pass rush the priority in the offseason.
The bottom line is that Jonathan Greenard would be of huge help, but the Jaguars cannot just wave a magic hand and make it happen. Still, if they want to bolster their pass rush, he's most definitely their guy.