It’s a Massive New Contract Extension for Vikings’ Standout
The Minnesota Vikings have been busy with contract extensions recently. A year ago, tight end T.J. Hockenson signed a huge contract, but his performance in 2023 was good enough to prove the front office right. General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah also guaranteed his fans five more seasons with Justin Jefferson by extending his contract.
It’s a Massive Contract Extension for Vikings’ Standout
The next player in line is offensive tackle Christian Darrisaw. After three seasons in the NFL, he has established himself among the league’s top offensive linemen.
On Tuesday, reports surfaced about him agreeing to a contract extension. ESPN’s Adam Schefter wrote on X: “Vikings and OT Christian Darrisaw have agreed on a four-year deal worth up to $113 million in new money, including $77 million guaranteed. Darrisaw had two years left on his rookie contract. Deal includes $43.7 million guaranteed at signing. Deal negotiated by Drew Rosenhaus, Jason Rosenhaus and Robert Bailey.”
The organization confirmed the news on its website: “Christian Darrisaw is considered one of the NFL’s best young tackles. And the 25-year-old will be a Viking for years to come after agreeing to terms on a four-year contract extension with Minnesota on Tuesday. The deal will place Darrisaw under contract through the 2029 season.”
The total value ranks Darrisaw third among offensive tackles behind Trent Williams and Andrew Thomas and $1 million over right tackle Penei Sewell from the Detroit Lions. His average annual salary places him at the top of offensive tackles.
Darrisaw was Rick Spielman’s parting gift in the 2021 draft. It turned out to be his final first-round pick in charge of the Vikings. In his rookie season, he missed training camp and the first few games because of a core muscle surgery, but he quickly entered the starting lineup once he was healthy. The upgrade he provided over backup Rashod Hill was evident.
After showing flashes of brilliance in his first campaign, he really took off in year two. Almost daily, teammates praised him in the 2022 training camp, and he was one of the league’s top blockers in his sophomore season. Year three almost replicated his success.
The one negative aspect of his resume is the injuries. After missing five contests in 2021, he was out for three games in 2022 with a pair of concussions, and he missed two games in 2023 because of an ankle injury. Multiple concussions can be a problem, but he seemed to fix some technical details to keep his head out of plays last year, and a sprained ankle can happen to anyone.
However, Darrisaw is one of the NFL’s elite players whenever he steps onto the football field. Pro Football Focus has graded him as such:
- 2021: 71.9 (36th of 83 eligible offensive tackles)
- 2022: 90.4 (2nd of 81)
- 2023: 82.4 (8th of 81)
Darrisaw will continue to form a wonderful offensive tackle duo with Brian O’Neill. They will help Sam Darnold in his attempt to revive his career and make life easier for rookie J.J. McCarthy as soon as he enters the lineup.
The former Virginia Tech standout turned 25 in June, and he will remain Minnesota’s blindside protector for many years.
Editor’s Note: Information from Pro Football Focus, Over the Cap, and Pro Football Reference helped with this article.
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Janik Eckardt is a football fan who likes numbers and stats. The Vikings became his favorite team despite their quarterback at the time, Christian Ponder. He is a walking soccer encyclopedia, loves watching sitcoms, and prefers Classic rock over other genres. Follow him on Twitter if you like the Vikings: @JanikEckardt