Vikings Lock Down Defensive Star Andrew Van Ginkel with Huge Extension
Coming off a stellar 2024 regular season where they posted a 14-3 record and finished second in the NFC North, the Minnesota Vikings are making big moves to ensure their success continues—especially on the defensive side. Although their postseason ended early with a Wild Card loss to the Rams, the future looks bright with rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy set to take over.
To support their young QB, the Vikings are investing heavily in their already strong defense. On Tuesday, they handed linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel a massive one-year extension worth $23 million, including $22.4 million guaranteed, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter via Van Ginkel’s agents, Drew and Jason Rosenhaus.
Interestingly, Van Ginkel wasn’t due to hit free agency this offseason and was already under contract for 2025 at $10.78 million, per Over The Cap. However, this new extension—effectively locking him in through 2026—ensures the Vikings won’t risk losing him next year. He’s now expected to become a free agent in 2027.
Signed from the Miami Dolphins ahead of the 2024 season, Van Ginkel made an immediate impact, returning an interception for a touchdown in Week 1 against the Giants. He went on to post career-best numbers: 11.5 sacks, 18 tackles for loss, and another pick-six. His dominant play earned him Second-Team All-Pro honors and a seventh-place finish in Defensive Player of the Year voting.
By locking him in early, the Vikings are making it clear—they’re serious about maintaining the core of a defense that was one of the league’s best last season. With Brian Flores returning to call the plays, Minnesota’s defense is poised to remain elite, even as questions swirl around the offense in this new era under McCarthy.
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