The Minnesota Vikings fielded a highly aggressive defense under defensive coordinator Brian Flores, with Pro Bowl linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel playing a key role in maintaining that intensity and versatility.
Van Ginkel signed a two-year, $20 million contract with the Vikings in the 2024 offseason after spending five seasons with the Miami Dolphins.
Brad Gagnon of Bleacher Report named Van Ginkel the Vikings’ “most underpaid player,” noting, “A rare veteran with a $10-million-a-year contract on this list, Van Ginkel exceeded expectations by a wide margin in his second-team All-Pro 2024 season. Had he put up those numbers a year earlier in Miami, he likely would have received a much larger contract. If he can prove this season wasn’t a fluke, he could easily double his average annual value as a free agent in 2025.”
Van Ginkel, 29, reunited with Flores, who was the Dolphins’ head coach when the linebacker was drafted. In 2024, Van Ginkel achieved career highs with 79 tackles, 19 quarterback hits, 18 tackles for loss, 11.5 sacks, and two interceptions, both of which he returned for touchdowns, earning second-team All-Pro honors.
He also deflected six passes and forced one fumble, further solidifying his impact. Van Ginkel’s takeaways helped him make NFL history, as he joined teammate Harrison Smith in an impressive feat.
According to the Vikings’ PR team, Van Ginkel became just the 10th Viking in team history to return two interceptions for touchdowns in a season, a feat not accomplished since Smith did so in 2012. Smith is set to return for a 14th NFL season, rejoining Van Ginkel in hopes of replicating their successful defense, which ranked No. 2 in rush defense, No. 5 in scoring defense, and tied for fourth in sacks.
If Van Ginkel can replicate his success, the Vikings could soon find themselves back at the negotiating table. The Vikings have invested heavily in their defensive and offensive lines this offseason, earning praise throughout the league.
Fellow Vikings OLB Jonathan Greenard earned his first Pro Bowl trip in 2024, signing a four-year, $76 million deal after posting a career-high 12 sacks and four forced fumbles. The Vikings also bolstered their defense by signing two-time Pro Bowlers Javon Hargrave (two years, $30 million) and Jonathan Allen (three years, $51 million) in free agency, adding significant talent around highly regarded defensive lineman Harrison Phillips.
Additionally, the Vikings are set to have a new quarterback and revamped cornerback group. Strengthening their trenches made sense, and they added offensive linemen Ryan Kelly and Will Fries from the Indianapolis Colts, as well as physical back Jordan Mason to complement Aaron Jones. With the dynamic trio of wide receivers Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and tight end T.J. Hockenson, the Vikings are setting up their new QB for success.
