Latest news with #then-Jets
New York Times
29-04-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Vikings, edge Andrew Van Ginkel agree to 1-year, $23M extension: Source
The Minnesota Vikings and edge rusher Andrew Van Ginkel have agreed to terms on a one-year extension worth $23 million, according to a league source. The deal includes $22.4 million fully guaranteed. After spending his first five years with the Miami Dolphins, Van Ginkel joined the Vikings on a two-year, $20 million deal in 2024. Advertisement Van Ginkel thrived in Brian Flores' defense, posting a career-high 11 1/2 sacks and 18 tackles for loss during the 2024 season. He tacked on an additional 19 quarterback hits, six pass deflections, two interceptions (both of which were returned for touchdowns, leading the league last season) and a forced fumble. Van Ginkel finished the season a half-sack shy of Jonathan Greenard's team lead, a co-lead with Greenard in tackles for loss and with the fourth-most interceptions of all Vikings players. His acquisition was part of the reason Minnesota's defense ascended from the 11th-ranked defense by DVOA in 2023 to the second-best unit in 2024, finishing the year with the fourth-most sacks in the NFL. The career year also helped Van Ginkel secure his first Pro Bowl berth, second-team All-Pro honors and seventh place in AP Defensive Player of the Year voting. The more apt question might be: Why not? Van Ginkel was a second-team All-Pro selection in 2024, and that honor doesn't even really do it justice. The edge rusher does everything and can effectively rush the passer. He stops the run. When he misses a tackle, it's either the equivalent of finding a four-leaf clover on the ground or it's a reflection of the ball carrier's skillset. In his two intercepted passes last year from the line of scrimmage, Van Ginkel read the opposing formation and ad-libbed during the play. One of those interceptions came in London against the New York Jets, and then-Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers tipped his cap at Van Ginkel's savvy after the game. Van Ginkel was only under contract through the 2025 season, and defensive coordinator Brian Flores sees Van Ginkel's versatility as integral to his operation. Last year, injuries forced Van Ginkel to play off-ball linebacker, and he was even able to play that role admirably. Advertisement This deal sets Van Ginkel up as a core player for the Vikings' future, and it might not be the only one coming down the pipe. Another Drew Rosenhaus client, safety Josh Metellus, has contract uncertainty after this season. He, too, is a pivotal piece to what Flores has built in the last couple of years. — Alec Lewis, Vikings beat writer
Daily Mail
22-04-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Super Bowl winner Mekhi Becton makes desperate plea for help to save his mother's life
Super Bowl-winning guard Mekhi Becton has issued an impassioned plea to his fans amid his mother's desperate health battle. Becton, who helped the Philadelphia Eagles to the Lombardi Trophy last season before joining the Los Angeles Chargers this offseason, took to social media Tuesday afternoon to share that his 46-year-old mother was suffering with kidney issues. 'PSA: My Mom needs a kidney!!!! If anyone can help please please please let me know!!!!,' he wrote on X. The 26-year-old did not specify what specific health struggles his mom, Semone, was suffering with. NFL fans immediately flooded his replies, with many offering their prayers while some even inquired after her blood type to see if they could offer their help. Becton later revealed his mom was B+, which is a rare blood type. The former first round pick announced his 46-year-old mom needed a new kidney Semone, who is a trained chef, is her son's biggest cheerleader, regularly showing up at Eagles and New York Jets games to watch him play. Becton was drafted in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft by the Jets but struggled to make his mark in the Big Apple. During his on-field woes, Becton found a defender in then-Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who earned Semone's gratitude. 'She went up to him and just told him, 'Thank you for having my son's back,' and things like that,' Becton said of his mother, Semone, and the four-time MVP in an 2023 interview with ESPN's Rich Cimini. 'And he was just like, 'Mrs. Becton, I hug your son every day, so I know how it is.' And she started to tear up a little bit and they even hugged. So it was a great moment, for sure.' Despite the criticism, Becton bounced back in Philadelphia last season. He signed a one-year, $2.75 million contract with the Eagles last offseason following four years in New York marked by injuries. He switched to guard with the Eagles and emerged as an impactful run blocker. He finished 24th in run block win rate among guards. Becton and the Eagles made it all the way to the Super Bowl where they thrashed the Kansas City Chiefs in New Orleans. He agreed a two-year, $20million deal with the Chargers last month in free agency.
