Minnesota Vikings Reportedly Make Christian Darrisaw Highest-Paid OT in the NFL

The Minnesota Vikings spent this past offseason inking star wide receiver Justin Jefferson to a record-breaking contract . It was just the continuation of general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah taking care of their young core after doing the same with tight end T.J. Hockenson.

With training camp now here, Minnesota is taking care of yet another core player.

According to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport , Minnesota has signed stud young left tackle Christian Darrisaw to a four-year contract worth up to $113 million. The deal comes with $77 million in guaranteed cash.

That $28.25 million annual salary would make Darrisaw the highest-paid offensive tackle in the NFL . Penei Sewell of the division-rival Detroit Lions previously topped the market back in April with $28 million annually.

Darrisaw and the Vikings had been in contract extension talks throughout the offseason. Minnesota now locks up its blindside protector after the former first-round pick from Virginia Tech performed at a high level throughout his first three NFL seasons.

Related: ESPN Not Sold on the Minnesota Vikings for Next Three Seasons

Impact of Christian Darrisaw Contract Extension on the Minnesota Vikings

Darrisaw, 25, was eligible for an extension for the first time in his career this offseason. Players must accrue three seasons of service time in order to be eligible.

Minnesota didn’t necessarily need to go this route. It had him under contract through the 2025 season after previously exercising the 2025 option on his rookie deal. But by getting this done now, Minnesota avoids waiting out what has been a boisterous market at offensive tackle throughout the NFL. In reality, it will save money long-term by securing Darrisaw this summer.

After selecting quarterback JJ McCarthy in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, the Vikings need to make sure that he has protection for when he eventually takes over as QB1. Darrisaw was the most-important cog when it came to that.

The Vikes now have their two franchise book ends at tackle locked up. They had previously inked right tackle Brian O’Neill to a five-year, $92.5 million contract extension.

Sure, paying out $205 million to two offensive tackles is hefty. But in today’s NFL, having two elite-level players at this position can change the dynamics big time.

That’s what Adofo-Mensah is banking on moving forward.

Read More: Where Do Minnesota Vikings Stand in Pre-Training Camp Power Rankings?

More must-reads:

• Minnesota Vikings Fan Favorite Returns
• Where Do Minnesota Vikings Stand in Pre-Training Camp Power Rankings?
• ESPN Not Sold on the Minnesota Vikings for Next Three Seasons

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