Dolphins losing valuable edge defender Andrew Van Ginkel in free agency
Edge rusher Andrew Van Ginkel, one of the most productive late-round picks in recent memory for the Dolphins, is finally cashing in, accepting a two-year deal Monday to join the Minnesota Vikings.
ESPN reported that Van Ginkel's deal is worth $20 million, with $14 million guaranteed.
Van Ginkel was drafted in the fifth round in 2019, 151st overall, but is coming off a final season in Miami in which he graded as the NFL’s seventh-best edge defender, according to Pro Football Focus.
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Van Ginkel proved to be a bargain for the Dolphins, not only in the low draft pick they spent on him, but in paying him $7.9 million over his five seasons. All the while, he earned respect as the personification of a lunchpail-type player.
“It’s kind of who I am, just a grinder guy that has always been under the radar,” he told The Post in December. “I wasn’t recruited out of high school, didn’t have a lot of big accolades in college. Every year in the league, it’s just a battle to be in the position I am in to get reps.”
He produced whenever called upon.
Van Ginkel, who turns 29 in July, finished 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.
Last season, Van Ginkel started 11 games and had eight passes defensed, six sacks, 69 tackles, eight tackles for loss and 19 quarterback hits.
Quarterbacks had just a 61.7 passer rating when targeting his man in 2023.
Pro Football Focus rated Van Ginkel just behind Pittsburgh’s T.J. Watt and the Chargers’ Khalil Mack, but ahead of stars Aidan Hutchinson (Detroit), Bradley Chubb (Miami), Jadeveon Clowney (Baltimore) and Will Anderson (Houston).
Van Ginkel recognized the realities of the business side of the NFL.
“That’s the goal, is to sign an extra contract, whether it be down here in Miami or somewhere else,” he said.
But, he added, he preferred to remain with the Dolphins.
“So, you know, me and my family, my wife, Sam, love it down here," he said late last season. "But at the end of the day, if there’s an opportunity elsewhere, I might take it on a different path. But the rest of it will take care of itself. I’m not trying to think about the future, what that holds. I’m just trying to be present and live in the moment and make the playoffs.”
Dolphins reporter Hal Habib can be reached at hhabib@pbpost.com. Follow him on social media @gunnerhal. Click here to subscribe.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Miami Dolphins losing edge defender Andrew Van Ginkel in free agency
