Vikings bolster defense with Greenard, Van Ginkel, Cashman

The Minnesota Vikings are signing free-agent pass-rusher Jonathan Greenard to a four-year contract worth $76 million with $42 million in guaranteed money, his agents told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

The Vikings also agreed to terms with former Miami Dolphins linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel on a two-year deal worth $20 million with $14 million guaranteed, his agents told Schefter.

In addition, Minnesota is signing linebacker Blake Cashman to a three-year contract worth up to $25.5 million, his agent told NFL Network's Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport.

Greenard set up himself for a big payday after producing a career-high 12.5 sacks in 2023, his fourth season with the Houston Texans. The 26-year-old had 10.5 sacks across his first three years, including an injury-shortened 2020 campaign.

The 28-year-old Van Ginkel spent his first five NFL seasons in Miami and had a career-best six sacks in 2023.

Cashman, meanwhile, posted a career-high 106 total tackles and nine tackles for loss last season with the Texans. He also had an interception, five pass deflections, and a pair of sacks.

Greenard, a 2020 third-round pick, was among the top pass-rushers after the likes of Josh Allen and Brian Burns were retained with the franchise tag.

The Vikings signing Greenard and Van Ginkel could signal the end of free agent Danielle Hunter's time in Minnesota, where he's played his entire eight-year career.

Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.