Minnesota Vikings outside linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel has quickly become one of the most impactful offseason additions, drawing interest from other NFC teams, including the Philadelphia Eagles.
According to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer on November 18, the Eagles considered signing Van Ginkel but ultimately felt he was “a touch too expensive.”
Breer praised the Vikings’ move to sign Van Ginkel, noting that he recorded two sacks against the Tennessee Titans in Week 11, continuing his strong performance. “I love the Andrew Van Ginkel signing by the Minnesota Vikings—he had another two sacks Sunday against the Tennessee Titans,” Breer wrote. “Philly liked him and former Saints linebacker Zack Baun in free agency, but Van Ginkel was a bit too costly for them.
Meanwhile, Baun has been excellent for the Eagles, and Van Ginkel’s reunion with defensive coordinator Brian Flores is clearly paying off.”
The Vikings’ decision to set the market with a two-year, $20 million contract for Van Ginkel in March has proven to be a smart move. With a cap hit of just $3.4 million in 2024, Van Ginkel has far exceeded expectations, leading the Vikings with 8.0 sacks, 13 tackles for loss, and two pick-6s.
After his stellar performance in Week 11, Van Ginkel joined an exclusive group, becoming only the third player in NFL history to record at least 8.0 sacks and multiple pick-6s in a single season. He now shares this distinction with Hall of Famer Terrell Suggs (2008) and Jason Taylor (2006 Defensive Player of the Year season).
