A Look at Where Vikings’ Contracts Rank Compared to Other NFL Stars: Defense

Nov 10, 2024; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Blake Cashman (51), linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. (0), cornerback Byron Murphy (7), and offensive linebacker Dallas Tucker (15) celebrates a fumble return that is later called dead against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the second quarter at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images Over the past couple years, the Minnesota Vikings have handed out some contracts that, at the time, were massive and sometimes historic. However, where exactly do those contracts rank now that many of them have been in place for a year or two at this point? Well, here is a look at exactly where many of Minnesota’s stars on defense rank in terms of average salary at their positions. Related: A Look at Where Vikings’ Contracts Rank among Other NFL Stars: Offense OLB Jonathan Greenard Jan 13, 2025; Glendale, AZ, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Jonathan Greenard (58) against the Los Angeles Rams during an NFC wild card game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images. Average Salary per Year: $19 million Contract Rank: 16th Jonathan Greenard signed a big four-year contract with the Vikings worth $76 million last offseason after a breakout season with the Texans in 2023. Despite some questions of whether or not Greenard would be able to replace Danielle Hunter’s production on defense, the relationship worked out fabulously for the Vikings and Greenard. He recorded 12 more sacks and a career-high 18 tackles for loss while being named to his first Pro Bowl. Not a bad deal for a player who is not even among the top-15 highest paid edge rusher. OLB Andrew Van Ginkel Nov 17, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel (43) sneaks a peak into the backfield against the Tennessee Titans during the second half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images. Average Salary per Year: $23 million Contract Rank: 11th Andrew Van Ginkel signed a new one-year, $23 million extension this offseason that will keep in purple through the 2026 season. It comes after he joined Greenard as a Pro Bowler in his first year with the Vikings as a do-it-all player at the outside linebacker spot. Van Ginkel filled his stat sheet in 2024, totaling 18 tackles for loss, 11.5 sacks, six passes defended, two pick-sixes, and a forced fumble. DT Jonathan Allen Oct 2, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Washington Commanders defensive tackle Jonathan Allen (93) in action during the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Washington Commanders AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images. Average Salary per Year: $17 million Contract Rank: T-15th Jonathan Allen missed the majority of 2024 with a torn pec, but he was able to return to the field at the end of the season for the Washington Commanders’ playoff run. Now, he hopes to shore up Minnesota’s interior defensive line by being a big playmaker in pass defense. At his best, Allen has been one of the most fearsome defensive tackles in the league, making Pro Bowl appearances in both 2021 and 2022. Perhaps a loaded Vikings defensive front will help him get back to that elite level of play. DT Javon Hargrave