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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.
For the Eagles, Greenard’s presence changes the edge-room dynamic. He gives Vic Fangio a proven veteran rusher, but he also gives Hunt and Smith a resource. Greenard said part of his job is to offer any advice he can to help both players reach the level they want.
That could become one of the more underrated parts of the trade. Philadelphia does not need Greenard to stunt the growth of Hunt or Smith. The Eagles need him to accelerate it.
With Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis creating pressure inside, Greenard believes he can feed off the interior presence while adding to what the defense already does well. That is the bigger picture for Philadelphia. The Eagles have star power, youth and depth across the front. Greenard adds experience and a veteran standard.
If Hunt and Smith continue growing under that influence, the Eagles’ pass rush could become more dangerous than it already looked on paper.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Jonathan Greenard sees big future for Eagles edge rusher duo
