# Van Ginkel's clutch play proves Vikings need to extend him now

> The 31-year-old linebacker's game-changing fumble recovery shows he's too valuable to let walk after this season.
- Title: Van Ginkel's clutch play proves Vikings need to extend him now
- Summary: The 31-year-old linebacker's game-changing fumble recovery shows he's too valuable to let walk after this season. Andrew Van Ginkel's Week 1 performance…
- Keywords: andrew van ginkel, minnesota vikings, green bay packers, contract extension, brian flores, jake golday, nolan teasley, jordan love, blake cashman, dallas turner, nfl, linebacker
- Source: Minnesota Vikings On SI — https://si.com/nfl/vikings/onsi/andrew-van-ginkel-s-week-1-performance-showed-why-needs-contract-extension-asap-01m2jv0xr8sg
- Published: 2026-09-15T20:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: andrew van ginkel, minnesota vikings, green bay packers, contract extension, brian flores, jake golday, nolan teasley, jordan love, blake cashman, dallas turner, nfl, linebacker
## Vikings rally past Packers
Minnesota overcame a horrible start to dominate Green Bay 39-22. Big plays by key players shifted the momentum after neither side looked ready early.
## Van Ginkel starred in comeback
The fan-favorite outside linebacker was one of the key stars in the Vikings' rally against their rivals.
## Contract situation is uncertain
Van Ginkel is in the final year of a $23 million extension signed in April 2025. The new front office hasn't committed to extending the 31-year-old long-term yet.
## Game-changing fumble recovery
With the Vikings up 25-22 and 5:02 left, Van Ginkel recovered a fumble at the Packers' one-yard line. Jordan Mason scored on the next play to extend the lead to 10.
## Elite pass rush performance
Van Ginkel finished with 1.5 sacks and the third-highest Pro Football Focus pass-rush grade on the team at 90.1, behind only Blake Cashman and Dallas Turner.
## Immediate impact since 2024
Van Ginkel secured a pick-six against the Giants in his first game with Minnesota. He's continuously showcased unique versatility in Brian Flores's aggressive scheme.
## Overcame injury concerns
Neck and head injuries forced Van Ginkel to miss five games in 2025. Despite the adversity, he finished with seven sacks and five batted passes.
## Vikings drafted his replacement
The team selected Cincinnati linebacker Jake Golday 51st overall in the second round. Many see him as Van Ginkel's eventual replacement.
## Golday got first-team reps
Training camp revealed Golday took multiple first-team reps in Van Ginkel's place. New GM Nolan Teasley and Flores showed interest in using him for a similar role.
## Experience matters more now
Van Ginkel's football IQ and deep knowledge of Flores's scheme are too valuable to risk losing. Sunday showcased just how valuable he still is.

> Van Ginkel's football IQ and deep knowledge of Flores's scheme are simply too valuable to risk losing.
## Short extension makes sense
A one to two year extension could keep the defense intact while allowing Golday to develop. It would be the perfect approach for both sides.
## Price will only go up
If Van Ginkel continues to dominate, he won't be getting any cheaper. A big performance against the Bears would further solidify his case for a new deal.
## Key takeaway

Andrew Van Ginkel's Week 1 performance demonstrated he remains essential to the Vikings defense, making a contract extension urgent despite his age and the team drafting his potential replacement.