The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are in desperate need of bolstering their front seven. Many rumors have emerged about how they will fix it, with names such as Trey Hendrickson and Maxx Crosby being thrown around. However, a new name has emerged that could be a cheaper option..and just as effective.
The Minnesota Vikings are shopping not only Javon Hargrave, a known free agent, but Jonathan Greenard. According to Adam Schefter, the Vikings could look to make a trade with the right team.
The former Pro Bowler could also command much less on the market than either of Hendrickson or Crosby. He would only be a 22 million dollar cap hit, and has the production to back it up. With 66 pressures over the last two years, he is definitely someone who can bolster the defensive line for the Bucs.
A Productive and Affordable Pass-Rush Option
Greenard has proven that he is better and potentially younger than several options on the Bucs already. At just 28 years old, he has plenty of good seasons in him. In a two year span, not only did he have above 60 pressures, but he also recorded 24.5 sacks, garnering his only Pro Bowl appearance in 2024. While he missed five games last season, he still had 5.5 sacks. He also graded out at a respectable 77.6 pass rushing grade according to PFF.
A Trade Strategy That’s Worked Before
For the Bucs, this would be more familiar territory for them, especially considering GM Jason Licht’s mindset. A similar trade that the Bucs executed was back in 2018, when the Bucs acquired Jason Pierre Paul for a third round draft pick and a fourth. Two years later, the Bucs were celebrating a Super Bowl.
Greenard may not be that type of player as the Bucs still have a lot of work to do in several areas. Still, when looking at the market for edge rushers, Greenard stands out as the most reasonable option. Should Licht wish to stick with his strategy of not spending big, Greenard is on the table.
The only problem may be that Greenard may have to go for a higher value in picks. While Pierre-Paul did not go for first rounders, Greenard might. Tampa Bay may have to be more willing to give up premium picks, potentially in this year’s draft, to go after Greenard.
The Bucs are well placed to make this trade though, due to the cap space they have available. While Greenard may be in high demand, the Bucs can pay whatever contract he demands, while also considering the risks he comes with. They can also keep their attention on other areas of need ahead of the draft.
While Bucs fans may want the big swing for Crosby or Hendrickson, Greenard is equally as impactful. He is also the same age as Crosby and three years younger than Trey Hendrickson. For the Bucs and Jason Licht, this seems like a deal that could easily come to fruition. And who knows? Maybe in a couple years time, it could see them lift the Lombardi trophy.
Christopher Sheppard Christopher Sheppard is a passionate and knowledgeable sports journalist based in Englewood, NJ pursuing a role in the sports media industry. He covers the NFL for Heavy Sports, focusing on the Dolphins, Chargers, and Buccanneers. More about Christopher Sheppard
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