Andrew Van Ginkel
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Andrew Van Ginkel is one of the Minnesota Vikings top defenders.
Since Brian Flores took over as defensive coordinator in 2023, the Minnesota Vikings defense has been one of the league’s best. From generating pressure to forcing turnovers, the Vikings have tormented opposing offenses year after year. But with rumors swirling of a possible Jonathan Greenard trade, could those days be numbered?
Greenard hasvoiced some frustration about his current contract, which currently pays him around $19 million annually and far from what the league’s top edge rushers bring in. And while the Vikings remain intent on keeping their star player, the economics of retaining him may not work with their uncomfortable salary cap situation.
However, the Vikings may feel a bit better letting Greenard walk knowing that fellow edge rusher Andrew Van Ginkel remains one of the league’s most dynamic and unique players.
Despite only playing in 12 games in 2025, Vikings edge Andrew Van Ginkel was the only NFL player with at least 10 tackles for loss and 10 passes defended during the 2025 season according to NFL researcher Tony Holzman-Escareno.
NFL Researcher
Andrew Van Ginkel was the only NFL player with at least 10 tackles for loss and 10 passes defensed during the 2025 season. @Vikings
Andrew Van Ginkel Remains One of the League’s Most Underrated Players
With all the talent coming off the edge in the NFL, from Micah Parsons, to Maxx Crosby to Myles Garrett, Van Ginkel stands alone when it comes to versatility. No other player has quite the same blend of talent to rush the quarterback and pick him off just as easily.
Van Ginkel was brought in along with Greenard during the 2024 free agency period, and has been one of the Vikings best defensive players over the last two seasons. During his first year in Minnesota, Van Ginkel registered 11.5 sacks and two interceptions, including two defensive touchdowns. He followed that up last year with seven sacks and one interception despite missing five games due to injury.
While Van Ginkel may not get the same recognition as other top edge players in the league, there’s simply no one else who is equally dominant against the pass and the run. So although Minnesota is very keen on retaining Greenard, they won’t be leaving the cupboard bare if he ends up getting shipped off in a trade.
The Minnesota Vikings Would Have a Big Hole to Fill after a Jonathan Greenard Trade
Should Minnesota deal Greenard during the upcoming draft, they’ll need Van Ginkel and former first round pick Dallas Turner to pick up the slack. Turner has shown flashes, and actually led the team with eight sacks in 2025, while Van Ginkel has proven to be a unique blend of pass rusher and pass defender.
The Philadelphia Eagles or Indianapolis Colts could be logical landing spots for Greenard, but significant hurdles remain. Minnesota may not feel comfortable giving Turner the keys, and there’s no guarantee their asking price for Greenard would be met. But if the Vikings are unable to come to an agreement with their star, a Day 2 draft pick would likely get a deal done. It would certainly be a tough blow to their defense, but Van Ginkel seems more than capable to handle the added pressure.