The Miami Dolphins have 29 players set to hit free agency in March, and none of them have expressed as much desire to return as linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel.
Miami selected Van Ginkel, 28, in the fifth round of the 2019 NFL draft following a collegiate career that spanned three colleges (South Dakota, Iowa Western and Wisconsin).
Since joining the Dolphins, Van Ginkel has recorded 250 tackles (31 for a loss), 57 quarterback hits, 21 passes defended, 17 sacks, four forced fumbles, three recovered fumbles and two interceptions.
After seeing his role reduced in 2022 (just 29% of the team’s defensive snaps), Van Ginkel was asked to play much more in 2023, partially because of a scheme switch and partially because of injuries to key edge rushers like Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb.
The former Badger filled in admirably, setting a career-high in sacks (six) and seeing his quarterback hits spike as well (19).
Now, Van Ginkel is set to hit free agency for the second time, and after reportedly turning down other offers to play elsewhere last offseason, Miami may have to make it worth it for him to stay in South Florida. Luckily for the Dolphins, he’s made it clear that he wants to be back again in 2024 and beyond.
A multi-year deal that pays Van Ginkel around $7-8 million annually would probably get it done. With their current cap situation, Miami would need to make some big decisions before they make any type of commitment, but that’s not a contract that would be back-breaking.
Bringing Van Ginkel back would also be extremely important considering those aforementioned injuries at edge rusher. Phillips and Chubb went down with a torn Achilles and a torn ACL, respectively, late in the season, so there’s a chance that they aren’t ready to go until after the middle of the year anyway. Having an experienced linebacker that knows what he’s doing would be beneficial.
If Miami can make the money work, this is a move that they should make. And, if they can get him back before he has the chance to talk to other teams who witnessed his impressive year, they may be able to get him at a more than reasonable number for the foreseeable future.