NFL Free Agency: Former Gators standout Jonathan Greenard cashes in
With NFL free agency in full swing, numerous players are making their way into the headlines with life-changing deals.
Jonathan Greenard, a former Gator who started his career at Louisville, is one of them after coming to terms with the Minnesota Vikings. He spent the first four years of his career with Houston.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Greenard definitely hit the jackpot with his latest deal.
“Former Texans pass-rusher Jonathan Greenard is signing a four-year $76 million deal that includes $42 million guaranteed with the Vikings, per his agents Drew Rosenhaus and Robert Bailey,” Schefter posted on X.
Greenard played just one season at Florida but made his presence felt with 9.5 sacks and 15.5 tackles for a loss. Not only did he lead the team in those categories, but it also doubled the next-highest total on the roster. His 52 tackles were good enough for third on the defense.
While at Louisville, Greenard missed his junior season after suffering a season-ending injury to his wrist on the first defensive series of the season. Following that season, former Gators defensive coordinator Todd Grantham relocated to Gainesville, resulting in a change of scenery for Greenard too.
What Gators fans need to know about the offseason, free agency
The NFL 2024 calendar year starts at 4 p.m. ET on March 13. At that time, contracts running through 2023 officially run out, making those players free agents.
Prior to the beginning of free agency, teams will have a chance to designate one franchise or transition tag player, starting on Feb. 20 at 4 p.m. ET and ending on March 5. Beginning March 11 through March 13 teams can enter into a legal negotiation with players who are set to become unrestricted free agents.
In addition to NFL free agency, the new year also marks the beginning of all trades being made official by the league office. April 19 marks the deadline to sign restricted free agents to offer sheets. On April 24, the deadline for teams to match restricted free agent offers sheets hits. Following the restricted free agent deadline comes the 2024 NFL Draft, which runs from April 25-27.
Stay tuned to Gators Online.
![Florida Gators head coach Billy Napier celebrates with Florida Gators wide receiver Aidan Mizell (11) after a touchdown during the first half at the Orange and Blue spring football game at Steve Spurrier Field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Saturday, April 13, 2024. [Matt Pendleton/Gainesville Sun]](https://on3static.com/cdn-cgi/image/height=215,width=393,quality=90,fit=cover,gravity=0.5x0.5/uploads/dev/assets/cms/2024/04/13155133/Untitled-design-65-2.png)
