Former Wisconsin Badgers outside linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel signed a two-year deal with Minnesota after a productive 2023 NFL season.
Van Ginkel signed a two-year, $20 million dollar deal as reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
The former Badgers linebacker posted a career high in sacks last year with the Miami Dolphins, and was tied-4th in solo tackles among edge defenders. Van Ginkel, an important piece to a solid Miami defense, is rated as the 7th best edge defender by PFF in 2023.
Van Ginkel will likely be the premier edge rusher for Minnesota in 2024. The Vikings were very average in creating pressure on opposing QBs despite being a blitz heavy team, but bringing in a high-level pass rusher like Van Ginkel will help.
The former Wisconsin Badgers standout looks to make 2022 look even more like an anomaly. Following the best year of Van Ginkel’s career he posted a career low in sacks in 2022. He was able to rebound in 2023 and looks to build on a year where he was among the best.
Wisconsin Badgers Linebacker Returns to Upper Midwest
Andrew Van Ginkel is very familiar with the region. The linebacker is originally from Iowa, and spent time at South Dakota and Iowa Western before finding his spot with Wisconsin football.
The athletic linebacker excelled and led the team in sacks as a senior in 2018. He picked up All-Big Ten honors as a third team member (coaches) and honorable mention (media). As a Junior, Van Ginkel played in all 14 games for an elite Badgers defense. This was his first year with Wisconsin football, and he contributed 6.5 sacks and had a pick-six in the 2017 Big Ten Championship.
Van Ginkel is continuing the tradition of strong pass rushers coming from the program. Badgers football has put out players such as T.J. Watt, J.J. Watt, and Leo Chenal, and is known for their strong edge defenders.
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