Andrew Van Ginkel Gets Well-Deserved Extension on the Heels of Breakout Season

Andrew Van Ginkel was an integral part of Minnesota’s stout defense last year—a unit that took the league by storm with its dominant presence and relentless pressure. The Minnesota Vikings and outside linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel have now agreed to a one-year contract extension, following a career-defining season in which he earned second-team All-Pro honors and firmly established himself as one of the league’s premier defenders.

The new deal adds a substantial $23 million to Van Ginkel’s current contract, including an impressive $22.4 million guaranteed, according to his agents, Drew and Jason Rosenhaus, who shared the details with ESPN’s Adam Schefter. With this extension, Van Ginkel is now locked in with the Vikings through the 2026 season, providing stability for both the player and the team.

Van Ginkel spent the first five seasons of his NFL career with the Miami Dolphins before becoming a key part of a stellar free-agent class that Minnesota aggressively pursued in March 2024. He signed a two-year deal worth $20 million and immediately made a significant impact by starting all 17 games for the first time in his career. During that season, he posted career highs across the board, notching 11.5 sacks along with two interceptions—both of which he impressively returned for touchdowns, underscoring his playmaking ability.

This contract extension is a direct result of the spectacular year Van Ginkel enjoyed. He not only started all 17 games but also set personal bests in tackles (79), tackles for loss (18), sacks (11.5), and interceptions (two). Remarkably, both of his interceptions were returned for highlight-reel touchdowns: the first came in Week 1 against the New York Giants with a 10-yard return, and the second was during the Week 5 matchup against the New York Jets in London. These electrifying plays showcased his versatility and knack for making game-changing contributions on the field.

Van Ginkel’s outstanding performance also earned him his first Pro Bowl selection, where he joined fellow Vikings outside linebacker and 2024 addition Jonathan Greenard as representatives of the NFC. Together, they bolstered a defense that looks poised for continued success, anchored by Van Ginkel’s leadership, tenacity, and growing reputation as one of the top defenders in the league.