Andrew Van Ginkel continues to emerge for the Miami Dolphins defense this season and is certainly increasing his value as he heads toward becoming a free agent.
However, it seems like Dolphins fans should not be too worried about losing him – or other significant defensive players such as Christian Wilkins – this coming offseason.
Drew Rosenhaus says that his client Dolphins LB Andrew Van Ginkle has a “tremendous amount of value right now” & that a possible extension with Miami would NOT be impacted by what the team decides to do with Christian Wilkins. #finsup#mnf #Gink #TENvsMIA pic.twitter.com/byQmgcAQZ7
— Josh Moser (@TheMozKnowz) December 11, 2023
“The man known as ‘Gink’ is a really valuable player to the Dolphins ’cause he can do a lot of things,” agent Drew Rosenhaus said. “He’s a terrific pass rusher. He’s proven that he can play well at the point of attack in the run game. He’s always around the football.
“I think he brings a lot of value. And without getting into specifics, I’m excited for his future. … We’ll be working hard to make sure he gets taken care of.”
Rosenhaus said he does not think any new contract for the 28-year-old linebacker will be contingent on whatever Wilkins happens to receive if the defensive tackle were to re-sign with Miami.
“I don’t think it is,” the agent said. “The cap is gonna be in excess of $240 million. I think the team can afford to keep as many of the guys as they want on this defense.”
Van Ginkel has again been a vital player on the Miami defense, especially in light of the injuries sustained by pass rusher Jaelan Phillips during the campaign. After missing time with a back issue, the 24-year-old was lost for the season with an Achilles injury sustained in Week 12 against the New York Jets.
Van Ginkel has four sacks and 47 combined tackles entering Miami’s Week 14 game on Monday night against the Tennessee Titans.
He has helped the defense round into form after a slow start to the season. Entering its game Monday, Miami now ranks in the top 10 in several significant categories. The Dolphins are seventh in fewest total yards, eighth in fewest rushing yards, ninth in fewest passing yards per game, and sixth in total sacks.
The unit undoubtedly has been helped by the return of cornerback Jalen Ramsey from injury five games ago. But the contributions of Van Ginkel should not be ignored.
Wilkins reportedly was involved in contract extension talks prior to this season. The 27-year-old notably did not hold back his services while waiting on a new deal and has performed admirably with that somewhat uncertain future. He has a career-high 6.5 sacks and 16 quarterback hits while also recording 46 combined tackles playing in all 12 games this season.
Rosenhaus said he believes Miami should be able to keep both Van Ginkel and Wilkins as well as other players. It should be noted that quarterback Tua Tagovailoa could be in line for a contract extension this offseason as well.
“The (salary) cap is not a hard cap,” Rosenhaus explained. “You can find room. You can guarantee contracts. You can spread them out. You can use voidable years. You can prorate the years. It’s very flexible. Teams find a way to do it, certainly think the Dolphins can find a way to keep all their terrific players.”
The Dolphins look to be on the way to the playoffs and are true Super Bowl contenders. But it’s also never too early to look into the future either, especially where player contracts are concerned.
