Vikings Employ One of the NFL’s “Most Underpaid” Players
Last offseason, the Minnesota Vikings said goodbye to longtime outside linebacker Danielle Hunter, who promptly signed with the Houston Texans.
Vikings Employ One of the NFL’s “Most Underpaid” Players
Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah turned around and signed Jonathan Greenard — ironically from the Texans — and versatile Miami Dolphins EDGE Andrew Van Ginkel.
Van Ginkel’s contract, in particular, raised eyebrows because the deal fetched just $10 million per season. The veteran defender far exceeded that contractual worth — so much so that he’s one of the NFL’s most underpaid players, according to Bleacher Report.
Andrew Van Ginkel Is Underpaid, Says Bleacher Report
BR’s Brad Gagnon explained Van Ginkel’s diminutive paycheck: “A rare veteran with a $10-million-a-year contract on this list, Van Ginkel outperformed his free-agent deal by a massive margin in a second-team All-Pro 2024 campaign.
“He would have landed a much bigger contract than $20 million over two years had he done that one season earlier in Miami. If he proves it wasn’t a fluke in ’25, he could double that AAV as a free agent again.”
Van Ginkel nearly became a Philadelphia Eagle during 2024 free agency. SI.com’s Albert Breer wrote about Van Ginkel’s almost-relationship with the Eagles in November: “I love the Andrew Van Ginkel signing by the Minnesota Vikings — he had another two sacks Sunday against the Tennessee Titans. And maybe this only interests me, but I heard last week prepping for the TNF game that Philly liked him and Zack Baun in free agency, and Van Ginkel wound up being a touch too expensive.”
He would’ve won a Super Bowl if he made a different decision but apparently might’ve earned even less in Philadelphia.
Van Ginkel’s inclusion in the BR list is also noteworthy because most of the players nominated are performing on rookie contracts. He was one of the few to hold a veteran’s contract while earning the underpaid adjective.
Van Ginkel’s Resume in 2025
Van Ginkel banked 79 tackles, 19 quarterback hits, 18 tackles for loss, 11 sacks, 6 passes defended, 2 interceptions, 2 touchdowns, and a Pro Bowl in his first season as a Viking. He far outplayed the contract so far, and in fact, has rapidly morphed into a fan favorite.
Earlier this month, Las Vegas Raiders pass rusher Maxx Crosby broke the bank, further exposing Van Ginkel’s small contract.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter tweeted, “Las Vegas Raiders are signing Pro Bowl DE Maxx Crosby to a three-year, $106.5 million extension that includes $91.5 guaranteed, making him the highest paid non-quarterback in NFL history, per sources. For the third time in four years, the Raiders are addressing the contract of their cornerstone player, this time cementing his relationship with the Raiders for the foreseeable future. The deal was negotiated by CJ LaBoy and Doug Hendrickson.”
As it stands, Van Ginkel ranks as the league’s 30th highest-paid EDGE rusher.
An Extension Incoming
Of course, Minnesota can fix this sin with the swoop of a pen.
General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has cash on hand to distribute extension money, and Van Ginkel would live at the front of the line if so. Those matters typically arise after the draft, so keep an eye on Van Ginkel as an extension candidate in May through August.
Other Underpaid Purple Players
Some notable Vikings also playing on value deals, excluding men on rookie contracts:
- Jonathan Greenard ($19 million/year)
- Brian O’Neill ($18.5 million/year)
- Ryan Kelly ($9 million/year)
- Jordan Mason ($5.2 million/year)
- Josh Metellus ($4 million/year)
- Theo Jackson ($3.1 million/year)
Van Ginkel will turn 30 this summer.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. The show features guests, analysis, and opinion on all things related to the purple team, with 4-7 episodes per week. His MIN obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band). He follows the NBA as closely as the NFL.
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.
You must be logged in to post a comment.