If there's a prolific pass-rusher out there, there's a good chance the San Francisco 49ers have been linked to him in some form or another.
Of course, the big names like the Las Vegas Raiders' Maxx Crosby or the Cincinnati Bengals' Trey Hendrickson have garnered plenty of attention, and the Niners would certainly welcome either player to their ranks after recording a league-low 20 sacks last season. But San Francisco is going to have plenty of competition across the league trying to land either player.
So, it'd certainly help if the pass-rushing market winds up being flooded with made-available players.
And the Minnesota Vikings may have just helped that possibility.
Vikings reportely make Jonathan Greenard available, 49ers could be interested
According to a report from ESPN's Adam Schefter, Minnesota is looking to move one of its more prolific pass-rushers, Jonathan Greenard, in a cap-savings move this offseason:
Vikings are now open to trading Pro Bowl edge rusher Jonathan Geeenard, per sources.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 3, 2026
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
Granted, the failed relationship between the Vikings and their former general manager, Kwesi Adofo-Mensah who is now working for the 49ers, could potentially complicate things. But the Niners would be wise to explore the option of a would-be trade.
The edge rusher has two more years left on his deal with an annual average of $22 million.
While Greenard's 12-game campaign last year was a bit of a disappointment, picking up just three sacks and 12 quarterback hits, he's only two seasons removed from back-to-back 12-sack campaigns in 2023 and 2024.
And it's important to note that first 12-sack effort came with the Houston Texans under the mentorship of their head coach, Demeco Ryans, San Francisco's former defensive coordinator.
So, the scheme adjustment shouldn't be too big of an issue for the 49ers, who'll adopt many of the same priniciples under new coordinator Raheem Morris.
Either way, the Niners not only need a top-end pass-rusher to complement Nick Bosa, they could also stand for some added depth.
Greenard could provide precisely that, should San Francisco pull off such a move.