The Vikings’ Top Extension Candidate if MIN Needs Cap Space for ’26 Trade Deadline @VikingTerritory #Vikings #NFL #Skol pic.twitter.com/i6zMfKIwNH

— Vikings Territory (@vikingterritory) October 18, 2026

The Vikings’ Top Extension Candidate if MIN Needs Cap Space for ’26 Trade Deadline

The Vikings’ top extension candidate is veteran edge rusher Andrew Van Ginkel.

Minnesota’s long-haired pass rusher is playing on the final year of his contract in the Twin Cities. Does it make sense to tack on more years to his contract? Doing so has the potential to open more than $11 million, per Over the Cap. Tossing that onto the current open room — a hair under $6 million — would involve boosting the needed cap space to a point where the team could go bold before the trade deadline.

EDGE Andrew Van Ginkel
The Vikings’ Top Extension Candidate

Of course, there are a variety of players who could be extended.

Linebacker Blake Cashman has been having a magnificent season. Running back Jordan Mason has worked through injury, a set of circumstances that point toward his importance. Center Blake Brandel has been quite good in his new home and maybe receiver Jordan Addison could be had at a small discount due to getting off to a slow start to 2026.

Look at the roster and there are other examples.

But then there’s Andrew Van Ginkel. He deserves the chance to end his career in Minnesota. Team and player alike appear to benefit from the partnership.

Jan 4, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Andrew van Ginkel (43) and Minnesota Vikings safety Theo Jackson (26) celebrate after a play against the Green Bay Packers during the third quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

Van Ginkel with the sack 💥

📺 Watch live on @NFLonDAZN
🎧 Listen live on@talkSPORT pic.twitter.com/RigvjiznKC

— Minnesota Vikings UK (@UKVikings) October 11, 2026

The former Dolphin flourishes working under the tutelage of DC Brian Flores. In a lot of ways, Van Ginkel embodies what it means to be a Flores defender as a high-compete, intelligent, and versatile defender who can move in any direction.

During the 2026 season, Van Ginkel has climbed up to 14 tackles, 4 sacks, 8 quarterback hits, 4 tackles for loss, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery, 1 interception, and 1 pass defended. Humdrum excellence from the do-it-all edge rusher.

Vikings bring the house AND recover the fumble 😤

GBvsMIN on CBS/Paramount+
Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/qd1SgYGcIY

— NFL (@NFL) September 13, 2026

Keep in mind, as well, that the edge rusher is one of those rare talents who allows the defense as a whole to function. As with safety Josh Metellus, corner Byron Murphy Jr., and linebacker Blake Cashman, Andrew Van Ginkel is so intelligent and versatile that he can be moved all over the place. As a result, his teammates can be put into a better position to thrive due to the edge rusher doing so much well.

Dec 21, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Minnesota Vikings outside linebacker Andrew van Ginkel (43) reacts with linebacker Eric Wilson (55) and linebacker Blake Cashman (51) after a sack against the New York Giants during the second half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images – Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

At first, Van Ginkel came to Minnesota due to the promise of $10 million per year. He quickly obliterated his per-year average, proving to be worth far more. Former GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah added on another year at a rate of $23 million, which is what he’s demanding for the current season. That’s the final year he’s now working on.

Nolan Teasley has only negotiated the Brian O’Neill extension so far. Otherwise, he has nibbled around the edges of the roster, making low-level signings and putting together a couple of trades. Pulling off a deal to keep Andrew Van Ginkel in town for another couple of seasons could end up being precisely what the Vikings need.