J.J. McCarthy is finally set to make his long-awaited NFL debut — and he’ll likely do so alongside one of the team’s key players. In the past few hours, it was confirmed that the Minnesota Vikings have secured the presence of one of their top contributors for at least one more year.
Andrew Van Ginkel, who appeared in every game for Kevin O’Connell’s squad last season, has officially reached an agreement with the front office and will remain in Minnesota for the next season.
The news was confirmed by NFL insider Adam Schefter, who reported the agreement between the talented linebacker and one of the serious contenders in the NFC North via his official X account (formerly Twitter).
“A raise in Minnesota: Vikings reached agreement today on a one-year $23 million extension that includes $22.4 million guaranteed for LB Andrew Van Ginkel, per his agents Drew and Jason Rosenhaus,” Schefter reported via @AdamSchefter.
Van Ginkel entered the league after being selected by the Miami Dolphins with the 151st overall pick in the fifth round of the 2019 NFL Draft. After spending four years in Florida, the former Wisconsin standout joined the Vikings and quickly became a key piece of the team’s defense.
McCarthy sends a warning about what’s coming
J.J. McCarthy wasn’t able to showcase his full potential during his rookie season, as a severe preseason injury forced him to delay his NFL debut for the entire year. Now, with hopes of finally seeing the field for the first time since entering the league, the young quarterback has sent a strong warning to the rest of the NFL.
“I know I’m ready to start,” McCarthy said to the press. “And I appreciate that question.” The QB was selected tenth overall by the Vikings in the 2024 NFL Draft, but his debut was put on hold after suffering a major setback early in the season.
“Because all the work that I put in and just the confidence in my skills and abilities,” he also added. “And just being able to do my job and simplify things to the best of my ability every single day. And just taking it one day at a time, one play at a time. I have a tremendous coaching staff, a tremendous group of guys around me that I can lean on and they can lean on me.”
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