It seems like the Miami Dolphins are set to bring back a key rotational piece from last season’s defense. Linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel apparently intends to re-sign with the team.
Andrew Van Ginkel is staying in Miami. I'm told AVG will return to the #MiamiDolphins on what could be a 1-year deal. At least 4 other teams were in mix yet he will be a piece in Vic Fangio's D. The 5th round LB had an opportunity within the AFC East but will stay home as a Fin.
— DolFans Weekly – Jason Sarney (@Jason_Sarney) March 21, 2023
Per source, Andrew Van Ginkel's intention is to re-sign with Miami barring last-minute snag, as @Jason_Sarney noted. They're working on a deal. Per source, Fangio reached out to him, told him they would like him back. He visited NE and spoke to Las Vegas.
— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) March 21, 2023
Van Ginkel has spent his entire professional career with the Dolphins since being selected in the fifth round of the 2019 NFL Draft by the team.
During his time in Miami, he has developed into a solid piece for the team’s defense. He didn’t play as much last season, but he still recorded 47 combined tackles, three tackles for loss, one interception and two passes defended.
It will be interesting to see what type of role he gets in defensive coordinator Vic Fangio’s scheme in the 2023 season. The 27-year-old isn’t necessarily the best coverage linebacker out there, but he’s got plenty of other skills that will be useful to the team.
As Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald noted, Van Ginkel had interest from teams like the New England Patriots and Las Vegas Raiders. Miami keeping a solid player from joining an AFC East rival is just another perk in the deal.
Miami has been making plenty of moves this offseason as it looks to become a strong contender in the AFC. Its trade for star cornerback Jalen Ramsey stole headlines earlier this month. The team has also re-signed players like Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson while bringing in new faces like David Long, Braxton Berrios and Malik Reed.
Expectations are certainly high for Mike McDaniel’s second season with the Dolphins after they made it to the playoffs last season. Unfortunately, they were unable to defeat the Buffalo Bills in the first round of the postseason.
While these moves are all important, arguably the most important thing for the Dolphins this coming season is to protect Tua Tagovailoa at all costs.
Things went sideways without him during the 2022 campaign, and he will need to be fully healthy throughout the 2023 season if the Dolphins want any chance of winning a Super Bowl. Time will tell if that’s in the cards for the squad.
