Dolphins - already dealing with injuries to Chubb and Phillips - lose Van Ginkel to Minnesota
The Dolphins lost three former defensive starters in the first three hours of free agency on Monday, with linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel the latest.
Van Ginkel agreed to a two-year, $20 million deal with the Minnesota Vikings, with $14 million guaranteed. He will be reunited with former coach Brian Flores, who is Minnesota’s defensive coordinator.
His departures follows the earlier Monday departures of Christian Wilkins (Las Vegas Raiders) and Brandon Jones (Denver Broncos).
The Dolphins -- who remain $25 million over the salary cap -- wanted to keep Van Ginkel but were unable or unwilling to pay what Minnesota could.
His loss is painful, because Bradley Chubb (Dec. 31 ACL injury) isn’t expected to be ready for the start of the season, based on typical recovery timetables for that type of injury.
And Jaelan Phillips, coming off a Nov. 25 torn Achilles’ tendon, also might not be ready for the start of the season.
Also, outside linebacker Cameron Goode sustained a torn his patellar tendon Jan. 7 against Buffalo, and his status for the start of the season also remains in doubt.
So the Dolphins don’t have a single accomplished outside linebacker under contract for 2024.
Van Ginkel closed his Dolphins career with 250 tackles and 17 sacks in 73 games and 42 starts.
He had 69 tackles and six sacks in 17 games and 11 starts last season. His 53 quarterback pressures in 2023 were most by any NFL edge player who pass rushed as few times as he did (321).
