It’s always exciting signing a new free agent, but rarely do fans think about the emotions that come with a player leaving their old home behind.
The Houston Texans made a surprising run to an AFC South crown and a playoff victory in 2023 behind stud rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud and an upstart defense.
A key member of that defense was newly-signed Vikings defensive end Jonathan Greenard, who posted a heartfelt thank you message to Houston on Instagram today.
New #Vikings defensive end Jonathan Greenard @jongreenard7 says goodbye to Houston @KPRC2 pic.twitter.com/AJ7XRQZbPq
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) March 13, 2024
Greenard thanked the McNairs specifically for helping him quickly get from Florida to Texas to see the birth of his first child, as well as his position coaches who helped grow him into the player he is today.
The 26-year-old put up a monster breakout season in 2023 with 12.5 sacks in 2023 and got rewarded for it, quickly signing a 4-year $72 million deal with the Vikings.
Greenard was originally a third-round pick in 2020 and had just 10.5 sacks in his first three years with the team before last year’s breakout.
Minnesota also added former Dolphins pass rusher Andrew Van Ginkel in free agency to go along with Greenard.
Pass rushing was always going to be a priority for this team in free agency with so many members of the defense hitting free agency, namely Danielle Hunter who ironically signed with the Texans for two years and $49 million.
Marcus Davenport left to sign with Detroit, and Jonathan Bullard, Anthony Barr, D.J. Wonnum, and Dean Lowry are the other members of the front seven in free agency as well.
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