The Minnesota Vikings and Linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel agreed on a one-year $23 million contract extension. This contract includes reportedly $22.2 million guaranteed. He is coming off the best season of his career in 2024. He had 79 tackles and 11.5 sacks. He was tied for eighth in that department across the league. It led to his first Pro Bowl selection, a Second Team All-Pro appearance, and finishing seventh in Defensive Player of the Year voting. Will he live up to this lofty contract with the Minnesota Vikings?
Minnesota Vikings Season Outlook
Van Ginkel joins a Vikings defense with some talent. He will play alongside Defensive End Jonathan Allen, Defensive Tackle Javon Hargrave, and Safety Harrison Smith. The unit was middling in 2024. They were 16th in yards allowed and second against the run. Van Ginkel will look to continue contributing in 2025 for the Minnesota Vikings.
The issue for the Vikings heading into the year is the performance of Quarterback J.J. McCarthy. He was slotted to be the team’s Week 1 starter before suffering a season-ending torn meniscus. McCarthy also needed another procedure to clean up his knee in November. While he is reportedly fully healthy, how will he perform in his de facto rookie season is an unknown.
Final Thoughts
Van Ginkel will look to live up to the expectations that come along with a lucrative contract extension. He will look to build upon the best season of his career in 2025.
