AVG is the latest defender to leave the Dolphins.
Van Ginkel became the second 2019 draft selection to sign with another team this offseason.
The Miami Dolphins’ defense is still being depleted.
Linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel became the next important part of that group to go, signing a two-year contract with the Minnesota Vikings, according to several sources.
The agreement is allegedly for $20 million, with $14 million guaranteed, a significant increase over the $2.6 million Van Ginkel got from the Dolphins last season when he re-signed a one-year contract as an unrestricted free agent.
Everyone thought Van Ginkel would be much more costly this time around, with former Dolphins executive vice president of football operations Mike Tannenbaum claiming he would have offered $12 million per year for three years if he were operating a company.
Tannenbaum’s estimate of the yearly average turned out to be rather accurate.
Van Ginkel will reconnect with Minnesota defensive coordinator Brian Flores, who served as his head coach for his first three NFL seasons.
The Dolphins selected Van Ginkel in the fifth round out of Wisconsin in 2019, and he proved to be a steal over his five seasons in Miami, starting 42 of 73 games and totaling 17 sacks and two defensive touchdowns — a fumble return against the Rams in 2020 and a pick-six at Washington last season.
Van Ginkel proven to be an invaluable element of the defense after being re-signed last season, starting 11 games due to injuries to both starting edge defenders, Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips. Van Ginkel achieved career highs with six sacks and eight passes defensed.
Drew Rosenhaus, Van Ginkel’s agent, said there was mutual interest in a return to Miami, but his client would attract a lot of attention on the free market. Philadelphia was likely to be interested because to the presence of Vic Fangio, the 2023 defensive coordinator.
However, another previously established connection was renewed.
THE DOLPHINS’ MANY DEFENSIVE DEPARTURES
Van Ginkel became the third player from the 2023 defense agreeing to terms with another team Monday, following defensive tackle Christian Wilkins and safety Brandon Jones.
That’s in addition to the Dolphins releasing linebacker Jerome Baker and edge defender Emmanuel Ogbah, along with Xavien Howard scheduled to be released Wednesday.
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