The Minnesota Vikings may have to start over when it comes to their quarterback, but on the defensive end, they acquired one of the most serviceable players of 2023.
The Vikings confirmed that they have signed free-agent defensive end Jonathan Greenard from the Houston Texans.
Another confirmed signing is former Miami Dolphins linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel, who signed a two-year contract worth $20 million with $14 million guaranteed.
While both players are reliable, Greenard takes the spotlight. Many pundits regard him as one of the best players in his position in the free agency.
The Texans' 2023 playoff run is where he became more valuable. The team bowed out of contention after losing to the Baltimore Ravens, and Greenard knew to himself that he had done his best while others were not delivering.
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He also provided hints on where he will go next.
"At this point, they know I love Houston, and they know I definitely want to come back, but as we know, that's not up to me," he said in January.
"At this point, I can't do much more. I feel like I've put my portfolio out there and closed that chapter and the rest will take care of itself. If they have me back, they have me back, gonna go 10 toes, but if not, that's how the game goes."
The Vikings got themselves a stud, a perfect replacement for Danielle Hunter, who now moves on to Greenard's former team, the Houston Texans. It is a swap.
Greenard's audition piece from Texas
Super rookie CJ Stroud got most of the headlines in the Texans' overachieving season, but Greenard should also get his flowers.
Undoubtedly, one of Greenard's motivations to join the Vikings is the more significant payday.
He fully deserves what he is getting, and he made sure there would never be room for doubt in his contract year.
Greenard's defensive ability has been on an upward trend since coming into the league as a 90th pick by the Texans.
Except for the games he missed because of injuries, he comes out every game as an integral part of the team's defense.
He was among the Top 10 in the 2023 season when it comes to sacks, with 12.5 (a career-high). He also posted 52 tackles, 22 quarterback hits, and 15 tackles for loss-all above average.
Greenard also led the team to set a franchise single-season sacks record of 46.
Aside from his impact on the gridiron, Greenard is also notable for his locker room presence.
The Pro Football Writers of America in Houston named him the "Good Guy," an honor given to players who exhibit notable professionalism and good relationships with the media.
His clutch defense is what kept Houston within striking distance in their games. According to The Atlantic, he tallied 15 pressures on third-and-long and fourth-and-long situations.
The Vikings got themselves an enforcer. Now, it is time to look for a QB1.
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