2016 NFL offseason: Minnesota Vikings needs

Chad Greenway, Outside Linebacker

A first-round pick back in 2006, Chad Greenway proved to be a tremendous selection by the Vikings. After an ACL tear cost him his rookie season, he’s missed just four other games in his career and has been a starter since the first day he stepped on the field for Minnesota. On top of his on-field contributions, Greenway has also been a great asset to the community.

Now as he enters free agency, there’s a question about whether or not to bring him back. Sure, head coach Mike Zimmer loves the guy and believes he can win with players like Greenway.

"“I love Chad. I hope things work out for him. He’s a great Viking,” Zimmer said per the Star Tribune. “I sat and talked to him for a while. I think his leadership is immense in the locker room, especially with a young football team. I think he took active ownership in the role that he had this year, so I hope it works out. He’s always going to be one of my kind of guys.”"

The only problem is it won’t be completely up to Zimmer. The brass in Minnesota has to sit back and assess whether or not it makes sense to pay veteran money to a player coming off a career-low 68 tackles.

Minnesota has done an excellent job of drafting young talented defensive players, and it may be time to grab another linebacker and say thank you to Greenway. He will be missed if the team decides to go that route, but unfortunately that’s the nature of the NFL.

Next: Another veteran who could be leaving