Eagles 2026 Most Important List: Jonathan Greenard

Eagles 2026 most important list: Jonathan Greenard originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

Over the next few weeks leading up to training camp, we’ll be counting down the top 25 most important Eagles for the 2026 season.

25. Eli Stowers
24. Marcus Epps
23. Dontayvion Wicks
22. Tyler Steen
21. Moro Ojomo
20. Drew Mukuba
19. Jihaad Campbell
18. Nolan Smith
17. Jalyx Hunt
16. Dallas Goedert
15. Makai Lemon
14. Riq Woolen
13. Cam Jurgens
12. Landon Dickerson
11. Jordan Davis
10. Jonathan Greenard

Jonathan Greenard wasn’t the Eagles’ first choice this offseason, but that doesn’t mean he won’t end up being the best fit.

The Eagles clearly wanted to keep Jaelan Phillips before Carolina spent big to lure him away from Philly. And then the Eagles had some interest in other big-name free agents.

But eventually during the draft, they pulled off a trade to acquire Greenard from Minnesota and gave him a four-year extension worth $98 million. Greenard could end up having a really big season in 2026.

Greenard, 29, had a bit of a down season in 2025 with just 3 sacks in 12 games for the Vikings. His season also ended early with a shoulder injury that needed surgery. But Greenard has a track record of production with 12 1/2 sacks in 2023 and 12 in 2024.

“Having 12 and 12 and then obviously had the down year, that was not up to my standard by any means,” Greenard said after being traded to Philly. “I’m coming for more. I’m definitely trying to get back to that point of double digits to where I can affect the game.”

“And obviously it’s not necessarily all about me getting back to double digits. It’s more so how can we affect the quarterback? If I get the quarterback down, cool. Everybody knows that’s the intention. That’s the goal and the mindset as soon as that ball is snapped. But if somebody else, let’s say Nolan or JC (Jalen Carter) or JD (Jordan Davis) gets it, I’m more than happy. It’s the same. As long as we affect in the game, I promise you we’re gonna be in a good spot.”

Even though Greenland’s sack total went down in 2025, his pressure numbers were still very strong. Here’s a look at recent years, via NextGen Stats:

2025: 15.4%
2024: 13.4%
2023: 16.0%

Greenard was held out of team drills this spring as he returns from that December shoulder surgery but he said that was a precautionary decision. He expects to be on the field for the start of training camp.

In 2026, Greenard is going to be the top-of-the-rotation edge rusher, leading the way for a group that still includes Jalyx Hunt and Nolan Smith — Nos. 17 and 18 on this most important list.

It’ll be up to Vic Fangio to maximize these guys and Greenard is excited to play for him.

“Vic, we all know, is a mastermind with calling plays and scheming things up and also just knowing when to let it fly and playing normal rush four,” Greenard said. “I feel like I’ll be a great addition to this because I don’t know how he’s going to draw it up. That’s the exciting part about it. I know when it is drawn up, it’s going to be something serious and we’re going to be a force to be reckoned with. Anyway I can be disruptive, bring that relentless motor here and continue to do what I’ve been doing, I’ll fit right in.”