The Minnesota Vikings envisioned Christian Darrisaw being their franchise left tackle, likening him to perennial Pro Bowler Trent Williams early in his career.
They doubled down by signing Darrisaw to a four-year, $76 million extension in 2024. However, since then, Darrisaw has had injury concerns that leave the Vikings searching for answers.
Recovering from a torn ACL and MCL he suffered midseason in 2024, Darrisaw said he expected to take a full year to recover. Meanwhile, the Vikings touted that he was ahead of schedule.
Darrisaw returned to action in Week 3 but was on a pitch count. Even after hitting the one-year mark in his recovery, he was touch-and-go all season before the Vikings placed him on injured reserve in December.
Darrisaw has played 17 of 35 possible games in Minnesota since he signed his contract.
Entering a second offseason with health concerns, Darrisaw may leave the Vikings no option other than to explore replacements at the tackle position, according to The Athletic’s Alec Lewis.
“When the Vikings shut [Darrisaw] down late in the season, [Kevin] O’Connell described Darrisaw’s season as ‘a really unique year for him.’ He also said it’s his “personal belief” that Darrisaw will return to a normal schedule next season,” Lewis wrote on January 8. “The team must spend the next few months ensuring this is the case. Any lingering uncertainty would dictate their being aggressive at the tackle position, either via the draft or free agency.”
Vikings LT Christian Darrisaw Yet to Realize Pro Bowl Potential
Let’s be clear. Darrisaw is a difference maker when on the field.
Darrisaw was ranked as the seventh-best tackle in the NFL by Pro Football Focus (PFF) entering the 2025 season. The Vikings offensive line was not the same without him, and injuries across the front impacted J.J. McCarthy‘s development.
However, after five seasons, Darrisaw has yet to earn Pro Bowl or All-Pro expectations placed on him, largely due to missing time on the field. He has yet to play all 17 games in a regular season in his career.
Minnesota is invested in Darrisaw; cutting him is out of the question. However, Justin Skule is not a long-term answer, and rostering two starting-level left tackles is costly.
If the Vikings can find a capable replacement, Darrisaw could become trade bait for a team that can take on his salary.
The other option would be to pay a premium for a veteran swing tackle who is capable of taking over if Darrisaw were to miss time.
Vikings Among Worst Cap Situations in NFL
The Vikings have their work cut out for them this offseason. With pressing needs at several premier positions like quarterback and tackle, they cannot afford to be spendthrift.
Yet, Minnesota has the second-worst cap situation entering the offseason.
Currently $46 million over the cap, the Vikings trail only the Kansas City Chiefs in needing to clear the most cap space before the start of free agency on March 11.
This is going to lead to several hard conversations in the building and a severance from several veteran starters.
Some roster-cut candidates this offseason include: defensive tackles Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen, center Ryan Kelly, tight end T.J. Hockenson and running back Aaron Jones.
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