Vikings GM Shares a Little Team Secret
The Minnesota Vikings extended outside linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel’s contract this week, a token of respect for the prolific pass rusher who joined the club 14 months ago.
Vikings GM Shares a Little Team Secret
And because Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah was in the mood to reveal a little secret, he told KFAN this week that the Vikings initially wanted Van Ginkel on a three-year contract in 2024.
Vikings Wanted Andrew Van Ginkel for 3 Years — Not 2
Adofo-Mensah told KFAN: “In free agency last year, we actually tried to sign him to a three-year deal. There was another team that came in and offered a two-year deal that we had to compete with. You always want the longer-term deal as much as possible, knowing that if he plays well, this is the type of thing you’re gonna be able to do.”
“We were excited to add a year and really to reward him for the year he had, so he would make more money this year.”
Van Ginkel evidently sought a shorter-term deal last offseason, and the Vikings had to shave the years to two — not three — to match the competition. Now, with the extension, it’s three years after all.
Adofo-Mensah added, “You always want to have foundational players, we call them program players, that meet the needs of your culture, meet the needs of your scheme fits.”
The former Miami Dolphin revealed a few months ago that the Philadelphia Eagles pursued him in free agency.
Kevin O’Connell on Van Ginkel
Another Vikings leader, head coach Kevin O’Connell, mentioned Van Ginkel’s extension this week.
O’Connell told Kay Adams, “I can remember Brian Flores and I sitting in my office after the 2023 season, talking about bringing a guy like Andrew Van Ginkel to Minnesota, what his fit would be in our defense, what the master plans were from Flo and his staff. And then watching it play out with him being a second-team All-Pro, Pro Bowl starter, so many impactful plays, and really such a perfect fit. We felt it was the right thing to do, based on his performance last year.”
“He was still under contract for this year, but we felt it was fitting for Gink to not only know he’s going to be here beyond this season, but make sure he felt appreciated for taking a risk, coming to Minnesota, signing with us a year ago.”
It’s clear that the Vikings view Van Ginkel as a defensive cornerstone.
Van Ginkel’s New Contract
The Vikings added $23 million this week to Van Ginkel’s existing contract, connecting him to the franchise through the end of the 2026 season.
When the details of his extension are finalized, he should rank around No. 15 per average annual salary among EDGE defenders.
A Deep, Deep OLB Room
The Vikings now employ one of its most ferocious EDGE departments in years. In addition to Van Ginkel, Jonathan Greenard is attached to the roster for the next three seasons. Adofo-Mensah drafted Dallas Turner in 2024, and he’ll experience more playing time this fall with Patrick Jones II and Jihad Ward no longer on the depth chart.
Brian Flores’ defense will also feature undrafted free-agent outside linebackers Bo Richter, Gabriel Murphy, and rookie Tyler Batty.
NFL.com on Van Ginkel’s Pay Raise
NFL.com’s Nick Shook noted on Van Ginkel’s extension and pay increase: “Van Ginkel has earned the raise. After five seasons with the Dolphins, the linebacker departed for Minnesota and fit into the Vikings defense seamlessly, displaying a knack for making big plays by returning both of his interceptions for touchdowns and nearly snagging a third in the Vikings’ Week 18 loss to the Lions.
“He closed the season with a career-best 79 tackles, 11.5 sacks and two picks, doing it all and outperforming his contract in the process.”
Van Ginkel will turn 30 in July.
Shook concluded, “Instead of allowing Van Ginkel to replicate such a performance and set himself up for a pay day in 2026, Minnesota is choosing to give him his money now in exchange for another year of guaranteed services. It’s smart business for a team that expects to contend again after a 14-3 finish in 2024.”
More Extensions?
Vikings’ extensions may not be limited to Van Ginkel in the remaining offseason months.
Safety Josh Metellus‘ deal expires after 2025, and he’s a player Minnesota would like in the house for the long haul. Most expect a Metellus extension soon or perhaps in the summer.
Before too long, linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. and wide receiver Jalen Nailor could be up for new money.
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