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Jonathan Greenard Trade Momentum Has Shifted

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Minnesota Vikings linebacker Jonathan Greenard (58) goes through pregame warmups ahead of a matchup with the Tennessee Titans, with the scene unfolding on Nov. 17, 2024 at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, as Greenard stretches and readies himself on the field before Minnesota’s road contest begins. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images.
Minnesota Vikings linebacker Jonathan Greenard (58) goes through pregame warmups ahead of a matchup with the Tennessee Titans, with the scene unfolding on Nov. 17, 2024 at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, as Greenard stretches and readies himself on the field before Minnesota’s road contest begins. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images.

Right before the start of free agency, ESPN’s Adam Schefter tweeted that Minnesota Vikings outside linebacker Jonathan Greenard was available via trade, a bombshell notification because no one knew the purple team would part ways with its top defender. Two and a half weeks later, all signs point to a Greenard reunion in Minnesota rather than a trade.

Minnesota appears to have chosen extension over trade.

And it sounds like Minnesota didn’t want to trade Greenard all that much in the first place.

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Greenard’s Eventual Extension Now Feels Like the Real Story

The brakes have been pumped.

Jonathan Greenard poses during NFC Pro Bowl practice in Orlando. Jonathan Greenard extension
Minnesota Vikings linebacker Jonathan Greenard (58) poses during NFC practice at the Pro Bowl Games, with the scene unfolding on Feb 1, 2025 at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, as Greenard takes part in league festivities and showcases his presence among the conference’s top defensive performers during the annual all-star event. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images.

Vikings Were Never High on Greenard Trade

The Athletic‘s Alec Lewis weighed in on the Greenard trade situation Thursday and noted, “Why would the Vikings want to trade Greenard? In short, they would prefer not to. In 2024, when the Vikings signed Greenard in free agency, they viewed him as a potential long-term replacement for elite pass rusher Danielle Hunter.”

“Greenard was younger, and his skill set suited defensive coordinator Brian Flores even better than Hunter’s due to his versatility. Minnesota’s staff also thought of him as a potential locker room leader.”

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The locker room leader assessment has already come true.

Lewis added, “The Vikings know they have a budding edge rusher in Dallas Turner waiting in the wings. They could also add more depth at the position with their nine picks in late April. Neither makes it likely that the Vikings part with Greenard for anything less than a significant return.”

“Anything other than a Day 2 pick would presumably be a non-starter. But the precise ask depends on a multitude of factors like player availability, pick swaps and the willingness of opposing teams to part with future picks.”

The Extension Matter

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Greenard has no guaranteed money left on his contract; that evaporated last year. And when Greenard looks around the lay of the land in the NFL at outside linebacker, his peers, like Micah Parsons and Aidan Hutchinson, are earning over $45 million annually.

He brings home $19 million.

Jonathan Greenard celebrates sack of C.J. Stroud at U.S. Bank Stadium. Jonathan Greenard extension
Minnesota Vikings linebacker Jonathan Greenard (58) celebrates after sacking Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud, with the play occurring on Sep. 22, 2024 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis during third-quarter action, as Greenard’s pressure disrupts the pocket and energizes the home crowd in a key defensive moment. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images.

Even recently, the man he replaced in Minnesota, Danielle Hunter, pulled down an extension that brought his average annual value to $40 million. In short, Greenard and his agent feel criminally underpaid. To better reflect the market, the veteran EDGE probably deserves a deal near $30 million per year, if not more.

It appears that Greenard is on track to have the wish fulfilled.

Greenard’s Social Media Clues

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In the last week, Greenard has posted pictures and videos of himself racking up plays in Vikings attire, leading the masses to assume an extension is on the way. As an example, his Instagram looked like this a few days ago:

If he were on the brink of a trade, Greenard probably wouldn’t be in Eagan. So, sleuths are studying every move, hoping to deduce whether Greenard stays or goes.

The current trail suggests a contract extension, with the Vikings keeping their 2024 Pro Bowl defender in the house.

Probably an Extension Incoming

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From the moment the Greenard trade dust spread around social media, it always seemed more likely that Minnesota would find a way to finalize an extension. The club acquired quarterback Kyler Murray for cheap in free agency, renewing aspirations that the Vikings could reach the playoffs in 2026 and maybe even win the damn Super Bowl.

If that is the mission — the coaches and players will insist that’s the mission this summer — getting rid of the best players, especially those who rush the passer, is not how contending teams typically operate.

Jonathan Greenard celebrates with teammates during Vikings vs. Cowboys game. Jonathan Greenard extension
Minnesota Vikings linebacker Jonathan Greenard celebrates with teammates Eric Wilson and Andrew van Ginkel after a defensive stop, with the moment taking place on Dec. 14, 2025 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington during first-half action, as the group gathers to build momentum in a road matchup against the Dallas Cowboys. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images.

Lewis also noted on the Greenard trade situation, “Which teams would be interested in Greenard? Two currently stand out: the Philadelphia Eagles and the Indianapolis Colts. Both are in win-now mode. Both explored the possibilities of signing free-agent edge rushers Trey Hendrickson and Phillips. Both have invested in edge rushers in recent years. Greenard also fits the systems of both defensive coordinators: Vic Fangio of the Eagles and Lou Anarumo of the Colts.”

“In recent weeks, multiple NFC teams evaluated the Greenard trade idea. None has pounced on the deal, with a high-ranking executive from one of the intrigued teams saying the size of Greenard’s proposed contract was the central hurdle.”

The Vikings wanted a 2nd-Round pick for Greenard as a starting point for discussions, but that didn’t happen, and now it feels like he will return for Year No. 3 in the Twin Cities.

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If not, Minnesota has Dallas Turner ready to continue his midseason breakout from last year as Greenard’s direct replacement.


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Sports

Meet the stars behind the film and the roles they play

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Normal (2026) is an American action film written by Derek Kolstad, directed by Ben Wheatley and dramatizing a story originally by Kolstad and Bob Odenkirk. Normal (2026) had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in late September 2025 and its US theatrical release on April 17, 2026. Normal (2026) is a story about a small-town sheriff who discovers a bigger criminal network, which leads to a series of violent incidents.

The film setting is a peaceful town that suddenly gets out of control with Normal (2026) mixing action with a multi-layered story about corruption, crime, and survival.

The movie features Bob Odenkirk as Sheriff Ulysses, alongside Henry Winkler as Mayor Kibner and Lena Headey as Moira, supported by a cast including Reena Jolly, Ryan Allen, Billy MacLellan, Brendan Fletcher, Peter Shinkoda, and Jess McLeod.


Who stars in Normal (2026)?

1) Bob Odenkirk as Sheriff Ulysses

Bob Odenkirk - Source: GettyBob Odenkirk - Source: Getty
Bob Odenkirk – Source: Getty

Bob Odenkirk stars as the main character, Sheriff Ulysses, in Normal (2026). He is a well-known actor, writer, and producer who has won several awards, including Primetime Emmy Awards and has been nominated in most major categories several times. Odenkirk started his career as a writer for Saturday Night Live from 1987 to 1991.

He then moved on to work on The Ben Stiller Show, where he won an Emmy for writing. Besides, he was a writer for Late Night with Conan O’Brien and an actor in The Larry Sanders Show. Odenkirk became famous for his role as Saul Goodman in Breaking Bad and its spin-off Better Call Saul, for which he was nominated multiple times for the Emmy Awards.

Besides the TV-series, he has been a part of Fargo and was also recognized for a guest role in The Bear. In the movie industry, Odenkirk has featured in Nobody and its sequel, while also having supporting roles in Little Women and The Post.

Read More: Who was Nadia Farès married to? Children and all you need to know as French actress dies aged 57

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2) Henry Winkler as Mayor Kibner

Henry Winkler- Source: GettyHenry Winkler- Source: Getty
Henry Winkler- Source: Getty

Mayor Kibner is portrayed by Henry Winkler in Normal (2026). Winkler is a seasoned actor who has enjoyed a lengthy career in television and film, earning multiple Emmy and Golden Globe awards. In the early phase of his career, Winkler gained recognition for his role as Fonzie in Happy Days, which was on air from 1974 to 1984.

This acting effort catapulted him to become a well-known figure on television. As a result, he diversified into both the media of film and television. You can see him in projects like Scream, The Waterboy, and Click.

Recently, he has been active on the small screen with roles in Arrested Development, Parks and Recreation, and Barry, the latter of which won him an Emmy Award. Besides acting, Winkler has also been a director, producer, and author. For example, he has written a children’s book series that is based on his own experiences.


3) Lena Headey as Moira

Lena Headey - Source: GettyLena Headey - Source: Getty
Lena Headey – Source: Getty

Lena Headey portrays Moira in Normal (2026). She is an English actress whose career has encompassed television and film, earning her international fame. Playing Cersei Lannister in Game of Thrones is probably Headey’s best-known work, a character for which she received several Emmy nominations and garnered great critical praise.

Additionally, she starred as Queen Gorgo in 300, one of her many cinema appearances, and The Purge is another example. She enjoys a diversified filmography featuring a variety of action, drama, and fantasy titles.

The Brothers Grimm and Imagine Me & You are among her earlier films while quite recently, television productions include Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles. Not limiting herself to live performances only, Headey has lent her voice to animated series and video games.

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The movie was released in theatres on April 17, 2026.