The hard-charging linebacker with free-flowing locks is staying in Minnesota beyond 2025.
The Vikings are signing Pro Bowl linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel to a one-year, $23 million extension, NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero reported Tuesday. Minnesota later announced the extension.
Van Ginkel's current contract -- a two-year, $20 million deal signed in 2024 -- kept him on the roster through 2025, but with no security beyond that date and Van Ginkel coming off a career season, the Vikings decided to reward him with an extension that offers a hefty pay raise.
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.
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.
