The Next Vikings Extension Candidate

Getting Brian O’Neill under contract was good work. The $96 million commitment is an eye-popping number. That being said, there’s an escape hatch beyond the opening pair of seasons, so the Vikings proceeded in a wise manner.

More fascinating, perhaps, is who is next up among the Vikings extension candidates.

GM Nolan Teasley is going to get the final call on contracts. After all, that’s his job. The promise, though, is that he’ll seek input from respected leaders in the Twin Cities, particularly Kevin O’Connell and Brian Flores. Presumably, none of these three would be upset about seeing Andrew Van Ginkel stick around. In fact, it would be surprising if the Vikings opt against extending the terrific pass rushing terror.

Andrew Van Ginkel as the Next Vikings Extension Candidate

The normal thing to do in Minnesota is to criticize Kwesi Adofo-Mensah. The former GM made a pile of mistakes, so he is sometimes a punching bag for online criticism. An important truth: he made a pile of good decisions.

Among the best moves he made was to sign Van Ginkel. The veteran defender was coming off strong football as a Dolphin but hadn’t yet gotten to a point where he was recognized as being elite. Flores is widely credited for Minnesota being able to land the edge rusher, a perspective that’s probably true. In that assumption, don’t lose sight of the contract.

Prying Andrew Van Ginkel away from the Dolphins for a two-year deal sitting at $20 million is an instance of highway robbery. Even the extension that got added on — another year at $23 million — is an instance of the Vikings doing remarkably well.

Tip of the cap to Mr. Adofo-Mensah. Insane value for somebody who would become a second-team All Pro.

At present, the issue is that the leader of the pass rushing department is moving into the final year of his contract. He feels like he just arrived but he’s already going into his third season in Minnesota. He’ll do so with a cap charge sitting at $19,250,000.

If an extension gets sorted out, the Vikings can see $11,352,000 put back into the mix (OTC). Not too bad, right?

Pushing the savings to the max would further free the Vikings to attract new talent. Veteran edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney has stood out for a long time as an attractive name but he’s not alone. So, too, could the Vikings opt to dabble in the trade market if a promising player becomes available.

And then the other benefit: keeping Andrew Van Ginkel employed. Sounds pretty obvious, but it’s a detail to highlight nevertheless. The Vikings would be wise to work toward Van Ginkel finishing his career in the Twin Cities.

In 2025, Van Ginkel missed some time due to injury. Flores asked him to drop back into coverage a lot, lessening his chances of making splash plays behind the line of scrimmage. He still found a way to pile up 7 sacks to stand alongside 13 quarterback hits and 11 tackles for loss.

Other Vikings extension candidates to watch are WR Jordan Addison, RB Jordan Mason, CB Isaiah Rodgers, LB Blake Cashman, and C Blake Brandel.

Senior Editor for Vikings Territory & PurplePTSD . Twitter & Bluesky: @VikingsGazette. Email: k.joudry[at]vikingsterritory[dot]com. Canadian. Jude 1:24-25.