The Minnesota Vikings built a highly aggressive defense under the leadership of defensive coordinator Brian Flores, with Pro Bowl linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel playing a key role in maintaining that intensity and adaptability.
Van Ginkel, who signed a two-year, $20 million contract with the Vikings in free agency during the 2024 offseason, joined the team after spending five seasons with the Miami Dolphins.
Bleacher Report’s Brad Gagnon named Van Ginkel the Vikings’ “most underpaid player,” noting that the linebacker significantly outperformed his $10 million per year contract.
Van Ginkel, a rare veteran on this list with a $10 million annual contract, far exceeded expectations in a second-team All-Pro 2024 season,” Gagnon wrote on March 28. “Had he played like this a year earlier in Miami, he would have landed a much bigger deal than $20 million over two years. If he proves his success wasn’t a fluke in 2025, he could double that average annual value in his next free agency.”
Van Ginkel, 29, reunited with Flores, who was the Dolphins’ head coach when the linebacker was drafted. In 2024, Van Ginkel set career highs with 79 tackles, 19 quarterback hits, 18 tackles for loss, 11.5 sacks, and two interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown. He also deflected six passes and forced a fumble, earning second-team All-Pro honors.
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