Andrew Van Ginkel's agent provided some positive news, but that also came with a reminder he might not be back with the Miami Dolphins in 2024.
The 2019 fifth-round pick was an absolute godsend for the defense this season, taking on a significant role after starting outside linebackers Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb went down with the season-ending injuries, and he likely would be in line for a similarly important role at the start of the next season given the severity and timing of the injuries to Chubb and Phillips.
But the question is whether Van Ginkel will even be with the team to fill that role.
VAN GINKEL'S HEALTH UPDATE
Van Ginkel himself finished the 2023 season on injured reserve after sustaining a foot injury in the regular season finale against the Buffalo Bills after appearing in all 17 games (with 11 starts).
Agent Drew Rosenhaus said in his weekly appearance on South Florida TV station WSVN that Van Ginkel would be ready for the start of the offseason program in April.
That certainly would be good news given how quickly he was ruled out with his foot injury against Buffalo, sometimes an ominous sign in terms of the severity of the injury.
VAN GINKEL A KEY FREE AGENT
Before the offseason program arrives, though, will come the start of the 2024 league year on March 13, which includes the start of free agency.
And, barring a new deal being struck before then, Van Ginkel will be a free agent for the second consecutive year and the Dolphins aren't likely to get him at the same kind of bargain price they managed last offseason.
After drawing interest from the New England Patriots and Las Vegas Raiders, Van Ginkel re-signed with the Dolphins last year with a one-year contract worth $2.65 million, per overthecap.com.
That was a steal considering Van Ginkel's playing time, coupled with his career-high six sacks, the interception return for a touchdown at Washington in Week 13, and the 19 QB hits.
Rosenhaus said Van Ginkel would like to return to the Dolphins, particularly since he was such a good fit in Vic Fangio's scheme — and Fangio was a big fan of Van Ginkel's work — but that doesn't mean he automatically will be back.
The Dolphins already are going to have a lot of work to do to get down to the salary cap limit by March 13, as required by league rules, so the idea of them re-signing many free agents doesn't seem very logical — though an agreement certainly could be reached before then but not officially signed until after.
Either way, the Dolphins aren't going to have a lot of spending money for free agents. This, however, may be a case where they simply have no choice but to bring back AVG given the likelihood that Chubb and Phillips both will miss the start of the 2024 season.
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