Christian Darrisaw’s Next Contract Just Got a Little Richer
K. Joudry
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Christian Darrisaw’s next contract may now be a bit richer.
Per Ian Rapoport of The NFL Network, the New York Giants’ Andrew Thomas has just cashed in on a major extension: “Sources: The #Giants and LT Andrew Thomas agreed to terms on a 5-year, $117.5M extension that includes $67M fully guaranteed. Another big-money pay day in NY.”
Shortly thereafter, Matt Fries of the Kindred Skols Podcast tweeted a gif of Bugs Bunny counting stacks of money with the phrase, “Christian Darrisaw right now.” Folks, it’s hard to disagree. Like Bugs Bunny, Darrisaw is almost certainly heading for a reality where he is making a lot of money.
Darrisaw’s Next Contract
Generally speaking, teams don’t get in trouble for paying elite talent. That’s especially true when the player occupies a premium position and is still young.
Darrisaw, only 24, is well worth a major investment from the Vikings. Essentially the only thing that has been able to slow him down during his opening pair of seasons is injury. When healthy, Darrisaw is a stud at one of the game’s most important positions.
Yes, the young left tackle will (ideally) partner with Justin Jefferson for years to come, giving the Vikings a couple cornerstone players to build their offense around. One thinks of T.J. Hockenson, 26, as another piece of the puzzle just as Jordan Addison, 21, has a chance to be crucial, as well.
For far too long, the Vikings suffered under poor offensive line play. Over the past several years, the organization has tried to rectify the issue by sinking a pile of high-end draft picks into the o-line. Every one of the starting five have arrived via a 1st or 2nd-round selection from the Vikings, a pretty astounding feat.
Christian Darrisaw is the best of the bunch. He certainly has the highest ceiling.
Last year, the left tackle finished 2nd overall in the PFF tackle grades with a 90.4 score. Who finished 3rd? None other than Andrew Thomas, who put forth a strikingly similar 90.3 grade.
Working in Thomas’ favor is that he has been relatively healthy and finished as a second-team All Pro last year. Over a pair of seasons, Darrisaw has been involved in 12 and 14 games. Thomas was able to play 16 games last season, though he did sink down to just 13 in 2021 so it’s not as if the Giants’ o-lineman has a fully pristine record on this front.
Last year, Thomas only had a pair of penalties, allowed 3 sacks, and 21 pressures. Meanwhile, Darrisaw had a pair of penalties, allowed 5 sacks, and 20 pressures. Per PFF, Thomas offers better pass protection and Darrisaw offers better run blocking.
Thomas’ $67 million in fully guaranteed money is a new high for the NFL. Darrisaw, in all likelihood, will be looking for a similar commitment from the Vikings. Don’t forget that contracts are largely determined by what’s out there for other players at the same position. The recent Thomas news is thus a critical data point since he’s also young and plays the same position. We can be sure that the number he received will impact the discussion between Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and Darrisaw’s representatives.
Based on what we’re seeing, a 4- or 5-year deal with an annual average of $23-$25 million and roughly $70 million in full guarantees isn’t unrealistic if Darrisaw replicates what he has been able to do. Thankfully, the Vikings are (at least currently) scheduled to have more than $54 million in 2024 and more than $165 million in 2025.
Vikings training camp began yesterday. Today, the first practice will take place as the Vikings build toward Week 1 against the Bucs.
Editor’s Note: Information from Pro Football Reference, PFF, and Over the Cap helped with this piece.
