The Bucs could draft an edge in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft to try and find a running mate for Yaya Diaby. They could look to free agency, where there is a lack of high-end options, but a gluttony of mid-tier players. We have also discussed the considerable cost of trading for Maxx Crosby.

But based on reporting from Adam Schefter of ESPN, Minnesota Vikings outside linebacker Jonathan Greenard may be the answer to “What’s behind door number four?”

Vikings are now open to trading Pro Bowl edge rusher Jonathan Geeenard, per sources.

They would like to keep Greenard, but they also have salary cap issues they’re working through that have led to these trade conversations. pic.twitter.com/kLRO73aFOz

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 3, 2026

The 28-year-old, a third-round pick by the Texans in the 2020 draft after a college career split between Louisville and Florida, suddenly becomes another option for the Bucs to consider in the coming days and weeks.

The Case For Jonathan Greenard

Jonathan Greenard has proven to be a productive pass rusher over the past several years. He racked up 12.5 sacks and 53 pressures in 2023 and 12 sacks and 84 pressures in 2024 before battling through a shoulder injury last year that limited him to just three sacks and 47 pressures.

Vikings EDGE Jonathan Greenard – Photo by: IMAGN Images – Gary A. Vasquez

Despite the injury robbing him of five games and some production, Greenard was still a highly efficient pass rusher, posting a 17% pressure rate. He was tied with Nik Bonitto and George Karlaftis for 15th in Pro Football Focus’ pass rush win metric at 16.6%.

Greenard is a high-side winner who can still beat tackles one-on-one, winning around the arc or with speed-to-power. He’s also really good at working on loops off of stunts from an attacking, blitz/sim heavy attack like the Bucs run. And his 159 coverage reps over the past two seasons are just seven less than Yaya Diaby’s over the same time period, showing an experience level with dropping (while still being productive!).

What Would Trade Compensation For Jonathan Greenard Look Like?

Jonathan Greenard would not cost nearly as much as a Maxx Crosby trade. I have his APY valuation at about $23 million per year, and he is under contract for the next two seasons. Allowing for some fall-off in 2027 for a natural aging curve, his total on-field value is $43.7 million. He is owed $38 million over the two years, creating a contractual surplus value of $5.7 million and a total value of $49.4 million.

The Bucs’ second-round pick this year, pick 46 overall, carries a value of $42.2 million based on previous research I have published. That represents a difference of $7.2 million that would still need to go Minnesota’s way. That’s the equivalent of a 2027 sixth-round pick or thereabouts.

Vikings EDGE Jonathan Greenard – Photo by: IMAGN Images – Matt Krohn

That deal is much more palatable from a cost standpoint than the likely cost for a Crosby – which would be a first-round pick, a Day 2 pick and a good young player.

That might be something Bucs general manager Jason Licht could part with. Addressing edge by bringing in a proven finisher with a Day 2 pick while keeping his first-round pick for one of the highly-touted linebackers in this draft class could go a long way toward fixing Tampa Bay’s ailing defense.

Conversely, Licht could still draft an edge rusher in the first round and double up at the position with both a win-now and a win-later piece while suddenly turning the Bucs outside linebacker room into a deep stable of pass rushers.

The possibilities are fascinating, but the more important over-arching point is that Licht now has more options to choose from.