In free agency, Dolphins lose Andrew Van Ginkel, a valuable edge defender.
One of the Dolphins’ most successful late-round selections in recent memory, edge rusher Andrew Van Ginkel, is finally cashing in, having agreed to a two-year contract on Monday to join the Minnesota Vikings.
Van Ginkel’s contract is valued $20 million, with $14 million guaranteed, according to ESPN.
After spending his final season in Miami, Van Ginkel—who was selected 151st overall in the fifth round of the 2019 NFL Draft—graded as the seventh-best edge defender in the league, according to Pro Football Focus.
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The Dolphins got a great deal on Van Ginkel, not only with the low draft pick they used, but also with the $7.9 million they gave him over the course of his five seasons. Throughout it all, he gained credibility as the epitome of a lunchpail player.
In December, he said to The Post, “It’s kind of who I am, just a grinder guy that has always been under the radar.” “After high school, I wasn’t recruited and didn’t receive many significant honors in college. It’s a struggle for me to be in this position and get reps in the league every year.
Whenever called upon, he produced.
With 42 starts in 73 games played, two interceptions (one for a touchdown), 21 passes defensed, three fumble recoveries, 250 tackles, 31 tackles for loss, 57 quarterback hits, and 17 sacks, Van Ginkel, who turns 29 in July, finished with a strong resume.
Van Ginkel started 11 games in the previous campaign, totaling 69 tackles, eight tackles for loss, six sacks, eight passes defensed, and 19 quarterback hits.
In 2023, quarterbacks who targeted their man had a passer rating of just 61.7.
Van Ginkel was ranked by Pro Football Focus just behind T.J. Watt of Pittsburgh and Khalil Mack of the Chargers, but ahead of stars Bradley Chubb of Miami, Aidan Hutchinson of Detroit, Jadeveon Clowney of Baltimore, and Will Anderson of Houston.
Van Ginkel was aware of the NFL’s commercial realities.
“To sign an additional contract, whether it’s here in Miami or somewhere else, is the goal,” he stated.
Still, he stated, he would have preferred to stay with the Dolphins.
Late in the previous season, he remarked, “So, you know, me and my family, my wife, Sam, love it down here.” But in the end, I might choose a different course if there is a better opportunity elsewhere. However, everything else will work itself out. I’m not attempting to consider what lies ahead. My only goals are to make the playoffs and to be in the moment.
