Minnesota Vikings fans were thrilled when the team secured edge rusher Andrew Van Ginkel with a one-year, $23 million extension, keeping the former Dolphin through the 2026 season.
Van Ginkel’s impressive 11.5 sacks in 2024 placed him second on the team, just behind Jonathan Greenard, who led with 12 sacks.
Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah recently spoke about the contract situation in an interview with KFAN’s Paul Allen, as reported by Pro Football Talk.
“In free agency, we actually tried to sign him to a three-year deal,” Adofo-Mensah said. “But another team came in with a two-year offer that we had to compete with. You always want the longer-term deal, but knowing if he plays well, this is the type of thing you can do. We were excited to add a year and really reward him for his performance so he could make more money this year.”
This comment refers to the Vikings’ original 2-year, $20 million deal with Van Ginkel from the 2024 offseason.
With the extension, the Vikings not only offer Van Ginkel a financial boost but also secure a more flexible future, especially since Van Ginkel turns 30 in July. NFL teams tend to be cautious about offering long-term deals to players over 30, particularly those entering their seventh season in the league.
Van Ginkel
Vikings Adjust at Edge Rusher
With the addition of Dallas Turner in last year’s draft, who is expected to play a more prominent role in his second year, Van Ginkel’s future seemed uncertain. However, his breakout 2024 season made it clear that he was staying put, even with Greenard and Turner on the roster.
Instead, the Vikings decided to let fourth-edge rusher Pat Jones II—who recorded 7 sacks in 2024—walk in free agency. Jones eventually signed with the Carolina Panthers.
Vikings’ Focus This Offseason
The Vikings’ strategy this offseason has been centered around strengthening their line play, particularly the trenches. Minnesota made significant moves to bolster both the interior offensive and defensive lines in early 2025, addressing weaknesses from the previous year.
The Vikings added veteran interior offensive linemen Ryan Kelly and Will Fries from Indianapolis, as well as top-tier defensive linemen Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen from San Francisco and Washington. They capped off their moves by selecting guard Donovan Jackson in the first round, at #24 overall.
Van Ginkel’s extension, coupled with the team’s recent acquisitions, highlights the Vikings’ commitment to improving both their pass rush and pass protection heading into 2025.
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