When the Minnesota Vikings signed Andrew Van Ginkel to a two-year, $20 million contract in the offseason, it seemed like a savvy move. Now, more than halfway through the 2024 season, the signing is looking like a stroke of genius.
Van Ginkel, the 27-year-old outside linebacker, has been nothing short of spectacular for the Vikings, delivering elite production well beyond his $3.4 million cap hit for 2024. His performance has garnered attention across the league, with Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer reporting that the Philadelphia Eagles had shown interest in the linebacker but deemed him “a touch too expensive.” In hindsight, the Vikings’ willingness to take the plunge on Van Ginkel is paying off in spades.
A Record-Breaking Season
Van Ginkel’s Week 11 performance, which included two sacks against the Tennessee Titans, only added to his growing reputation. As of now, he leads the Vikings with 8.0 sacks, 13 tackles for loss, and has already scored two pick-sixes—an accomplishment that has placed him in some rarefied air. He is now just the third player in NFL history to log at least 8.0 sacks and multiple pick-6s in a single season, joining the legendary Terrell Suggs (2008) and Jason Taylor (2006). For context, Taylor’s 2006 season earned him the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year award.
In terms of contract value, Van Ginkel is playing like a $20 million-a-year player, according to Over The Cap, which values his current play at that level. With his recent performances, including the last two games, that valuation is likely to rise. Given his current trajectory, Van Ginkel’s production is already outstripping what the Vikings are paying him in 2024, making him one of the most efficient signings of the offseason.
Replacing Danielle Hunter with Versatility
Van Ginkel’s success this season is even more impressive when considering the context of his role in the Vikings’ defense. When Minnesota moved on from Danielle Hunter in the offseason, many questioned how they would replace his impact on the edge. The answer: versatility. Under defensive coordinator Brian Flores, the Vikings have opted for smaller, more versatile outside linebackers who can not only rush the passer but also drop into coverage. This is a departure from the more traditional edge-rushing role that players like Hunter excel in, and it’s paying dividends with Van Ginkel.
Van Ginkel’s ability to excel both as a pass rusher and in coverage has made him a key cog in the Vikings’ defense. He leads the team in coverage snaps among edge rushers, with 133 snaps in coverage so far this season—51 more than the next closest edge rusher. His ability to drop back into pass coverage while still applying pressure on the quarterback makes him a perfect fit for Flores’ scheme.
Value for Money: Van Ginkel vs. Hunter
Van Ginkel’s contract has been especially valuable in comparison to the deal signed by Hunter, who was traded to the Houston Texans for a two-year, $48 million contract. Hunter’s cap hit for 2024 is $13.1 million, significantly higher than Van Ginkel and Jonathan Greenard’s combined cap hit of $9.1 million. While Hunter has 6.0 sacks and 42 pressures this season, his performance hasn’t been as impactful as Van Ginkel’s in terms of versatility and overall value to his team.
In the context of the Vikings’ broader defensive approach, Van Ginkel and Greenard’s combined $9.1 million cap hit is a massive bargain compared to Hunter’s. Their ability to fill multiple roles in the defense has allowed Minnesota to allocate resources elsewhere, proving the Vikings’ defense-first offseason moves are paying off in the long run.
Looking Ahead: Dallas Turner and the Future
Despite the success of Van Ginkel and Greenard, there has been some fan frustration regarding the lack of involvement of first-round pick Dallas Turner. The 17th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft has had a quieter start to his career, with limited snaps on defense. However, Flores has expressed confidence in Turner’s future, comparing his situation to that of future Hall of Famer Cameron Heyward, who didn’t start a game in his first two years with the Pittsburgh Steelers due to depth at the position.
Flores’ confidence in Turner, combined with the strong performances from Van Ginkel and Greenard, suggests that the Vikings have a promising defensive core for years to come. Turner’s development could add another layer of talent to an already formidable defensive unit.
Conclusion: A Masterstroke for Minnesota
The decision to sign Andrew Van Ginkel to a two-year, $20 million contract has proven to be one of the most astute moves of the offseason for the Minnesota Vikings. His ability to both rush the passer and play in coverage fits perfectly with Brian Flores’ defensive scheme, and his production has far exceeded expectations. With Van Ginkel playing at a top-tier level, the Vikings have successfully replaced Danielle Hunter’s role with a more versatile, cost-effective player, further solidifying the defense as a strength of the team. As Van Ginkel continues to break records and outplay his contract, the Vikings’ defense is poised to be a major force in the NFC for years to come.
