Best of luck, Anthony Weaver. Your first year with the Miami Dolphins could be a bit bumpy.
Andrew Van Ginkel became the sixth key Dolphins defensive contributor out the door, agreeing to what ESPN reports is a two-year deal worth $20 million, with $14 million guaranteed.
Miami Dolphins Lose LB Andrew Van Ginkel
Van Ginkel was the third key Dolphins free agent to leave for greener pastures Monday, following Christian Wilkins (Las Vegas Raiders, four years/$110 million) and Brandon Jones (Denver Broncos, three years/$20 million).
That talent drain should make for a big-time compensatory pick haul in 2025. But it could also make for a big-time step back in 2024.
The free agent moves come days after the Dolphins cut Xavien Howard, Jerome Baker, and Emmanuel Ogbah in an effort to get under the salary cap.
Van Ginkel’s departure hurts double when you consider that Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips are both rehabbing significant injuries that put their availability for Week 1 in doubt.
The Dolphins’ only other EDGE defenders currently under contract in 2024 are Quinton Bell and Cameron Goode.
Van Ginkel — who earned $2.7 million on a one-year deal in 2023 — gets a significant raise and reunites with Brian Flores, the former Dolphins head coach who is now the Vikings’ defensive coordinator.
Van Ginkel’s new AAV ranks in the top 20 of outside linebackers, which is probably a bit steep for a player who has 17 sacks in five NFL seasons.
KEEP READING: Grading the Christian Wilkins Contract
Van Ginkel in Minnesota will be paired with pass rusher Jonathan Greenard, who earlier in the day agreed to a four-year, $76 million free agent deal with the Vikings.
Their arrival means Danielle Hunter is almost certainly out the door.
Vikings Grade: B
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