The NFC East added some prominent pass rushers through the NFL Draft’s first two days. The New York Giants took Ohio State’s Arvell Reese with the No. 5 overall pick. The Dallas Cowboys added UCF edge rusher Malchi Lawrence at No. 23.
The Philadelphia Eagles added one with, in part, a pick they didn’t even make. They acquired veteran and former All-Pro Jonathan Greenard from Minnesota and a seventh-rounder on Friday for the No. 98 overall pick and a 2027 third-round pick.
Greenard joins an already stout Eagles pass rush following a down year but he had two excellent seasons before that, with 24.5 sacks combined in 2023-24.
Here’s the kicker, which might (keyword: might) add some sting for Commanders fans. Washington pursued a trade for Greenard last month, per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
Philly was the most consistent suitor throughout. Commanders pursued in March, the Bucs kicked tires on it, but in the end Philly gets a much-needed rusher. https://t.co/Rqq2v11tRG
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Greenard also agreed on Friday to a four-year, $100 million contract with $50 million guaranteed.
The Commanders addressed the pass rush a few times in free agency, adding Odafe Oweh on a $100 million deal and K’Lavon Chaisson and Charles Omenihu on one-year contracts.
Any regrets, Washington Commanders fans, missing out on the 28-year-old Greenard, especially when he eventually went to a division rival? Let us know in the comments below.
Greenard wasn’t the only veteran acquired by the NFC East on Friday. The Dallas Cowboys acquired Dee Winters from the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for the No. 152 overall pick. He had 101 solo tackles in 17 games last season, with an interception returned for a touchdown.
The Commanders should be thrilled with their linebacker corps after making Ohio State’s Sonny Styles the No. 7 overall pick on Thursday night. They also added Leo Chenal in free agency, with quality and depth at the position.
Washington added some offense with their lone Day 2 pick, selecting Clemson receiver Antonio Williams at No. 71 overall.
The Commanders are scheduled to have four Day 3 picks on Saturday, at Nos. 147, 187, 209 (via SF) and 233.