Jonathan Greenard was acquired to help the Philadelphia Eagles rush the passer, but his impact may extend beyond sacks, pressures and third-down situations.
The veteran edge rusher is already embracing a leadership role inside one of the NFL's most intriguing young defensive fronts. Greenard, who arrived from the Minnesota Vikings in a major offseason trade, has not been fully involved in team drills while working back from December surgery, but he has spent the offseason observing, learning the culture and studying the younger players around him.
Two names have stood out: Jalyx Hunt and Nolan Smith.
While speaking with the Eagles official website, Greenard praised Hunt's natural tools, calling him a "freak" athlete and pointing to the kind of bend and feel that cannot be easily taught. That is notable because Hunt already entered 2026 with momentum after a breakout second season. He led the Eagles in sacks and interceptions in 2025, becoming the first player in franchise history to lead the team in both categories in the same year.
Greenard also had strong praise for Smith, saying the former first-round pick sometimes carries himself like a veteran with seven or eight years of NFL experience. That matters as Smith enters a critical season, trying to prove he is worth a fifth-year option and potentially a long-term contract extension.
#veteran
The veteran edge rusher is already embracing a leadership role inside one of the NFL's most intriguing young defensive fronts. Greenard, who arrived from the Minnesota Vikings in a major offseason trade, has not been fully involved in team drills while working back from December surgery, but he has spent the offseason observing, learning the culture and studying the younger players around him.
Two names have stood out: Jalyx Hunt and Nolan Smith.
While speaking with the Eagles official website, Greenard praised Hunt's natural tools, calling him a "freak" athlete and pointing to the kind of bend and feel that cannot be easily taught. That is notable because Hunt already entered 2026 with momentum after a breakout second season. He led the Eagles in sacks and interceptions in 2025, becoming the first player in franchise history to lead the team in both categories in the same year.
Greenard also had strong praise for Smith, saying the former first-round pick sometimes carries himself like a veteran with seven or eight years of NFL experience. That matters as Smith enters a critical season, trying to prove he is worth a fifth-year option and potentially a long-term contract extension.
#veteran
2 months ago
