Vikings Signing OLB Andrew Van Ginkel to Two-Year Deal
The Vikings are signing former Dolphins outside linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel to a two-year, $20 million deal with $14 million guaranteed, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. After starting the day by signing stud edge rusher Jonathan Greenard, Minnesota is doubling up by landing an underrated gem in Van Ginkel.
This has a chance to be a massive addition for the Vikings. Van Ginkel, who turns 29 this summer, is the epitome of a productive, versatile, well-rounded football player. He can rush the passer, he can defend the run, and he can drop into coverage and make plays. He'll be a very important chess piece for Brian Flores, who is entering the second year of his tenure as Minnesota's defensive coordinator.
Van Ginkel spent the first three years of his NFL career playing for Flores in Miami, so there's plenty of familiarity there. He was drafted in the fifth round out of Wisconsin in 2019 and worked his way into a starting role by his second season. Across five years and 73 games in Miami, Van Ginkel stuffed the stat sheet with 17 sacks, 31 total tackles for loss, 21 passes defended, two interceptions, four forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, and two touchdowns. He also plays on special teams, which only adds to his value.
Last season was the most prolific year of Van Ginkel's career. He played in all 17 games and set career-highs in sacks (6) and passes defended (8), adding a pick-six for good measure. Van Ginkel earned a 91.1 PFF grade on over 700 defensive snaps, which ranked seventh among all edge rushers in the NFL. He had 53 pressures and a 90.6 grade as a pass rusher, plus an 87.3 grade in coverage.
Greenard and Van Ginkel is a very solid free agent EDGE tandem for the Vikings, who may end up losing Danielle Hunter, D.J. Wonnum, and Marcus Davenport in free agency.
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