Andrew Van Ginkel Inks Massive Extension with Minnesota Vikings

According to a report from ESPN's Adam Schefter, Van Ginkel reached an agreement to remain in Minnesota for an additional season on Tuesday. According to the agents of the seven-year NFL veteran, the contract is a one-year extension worth $23 million, with $22.4 million guaranteed.

The former fifth-round pick is now slated to remain in Minneapolis through the 2026 season. 

Van Ginkel excelled in Flores' blitz-heavy defense. Minnesota blitzed on a greater proportion of plays than any other defensive unit in the NFL last year. As a result, the unit finished sixth in pressure rate, fourth in quarterback hurries, and fourth in sacks. Van Ginkel took down the quarterback a career-high 11.5 times. 

Andrew Van Ginkel Rewarded Following Career-Best NFL Season

Those 11.5 sacks made for a breakout campaign by Van Ginkel, who had only recorded 17 total sacks in his previous five seasons. The 6-foot-4, 242-pound edge rusher also contributed career highs with 29 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, and two interceptions. He returned both of his picks for touchdowns. 

After helping Minnesota advance to the playoffs, Van Ginkel earned his first career Pro Bowl selection, was named an AP Second Team All-Pro, and finished seventh in the race for NFL Defensive Player of the Year. 

In college, Van Ginkel spent two seasons with the Wisconsin football team. He earned All-Big Ten honors in his final season of eligibility. In his redshirt senior campaign, Van Ginkel started ten games at outside linebacker and led the Wisconsin Badgers defense with 5.5 sacks. 

Before arriving in Madison, Van Ginkel spent two seasons at the FCS level with the South Dakota Coyotes and one season playing junior college football at Iowa Western Community College.