Another Vikings’ Star Player Is Expected to Ask for a Huge Contract
The Minnesota Vikings have just handed three-time Pro Bowler Justin Jefferson his contract extension after four years of excellence. Jefferson will make $140 million in the four seasons following his fifth-year option and is under contract through the 2028 campaign. Minnesota’s ownership might be asked to sign another big check in the near future.
Another Vikings’ Star Player Is Expected to Ask for a Huge Contract
Offensive tackle Christian Darrisaw is Rick Spielman’s parting gift. In what would become his final draft in charge of the organization, the ex-general manager selected the talented blocker out of Virginia Tech after trading down nine spots with the New York Jets to secure a couple of third-rounders (Kellen Mond and Wyatt Davis).
Darrisaw has performed at an elite level in his second and third seasons as Minnesota’s blindside protector and, therefore, will ask for a significant raise. He is in the final year of his four-year rookie deal, but because the team picked up his fifth-year option, he is under contract for a total of two seasons.
Bleacher Report’s Ryan Fowler anointed Minnesota’s number 71 as the most important extension candidate, but he added an alarming annual salary to his claim.
Though unfortunate, injuries have hampered Christian Darrisaw’s ceiling early in his career. When available, however, he’s proven he belongs among the top tackles in all of football. Now, an extension likely looms.
Darrisaw’s likely average per year will land near $28 million. But, with Penei Sewell’s recent deal and the expected extension to come with Tristan Wirfs (Tampa Bay), Minnesota would present themselves with leverage monetarily if they are able to get a deal done sooner rather than later.
Ryan Fowler, Bleacher Report
The only reason why the front office will hesitate before offering a new deal is the extensive injury history. Darrisaw missed all offseason workouts, training camp, and ultimately, the first third of his rookie season because of a core muscle surgery. In 2022, his sophomore year, he suffered two separate concussions, forcing him to miss three contests, and an ankle issue caused him to miss two games in 2023.
Availability is essential in the NFL, and his availability has been dubious. Regardless, Darrisaw has been remarkable whenever he has been on the field. He was snubbed from back-to-back Pro Bowls and doesn’t have any accolades to match the daunting salary demands, but he has undoubtedly proven his worth.
Fowler mentions Penei Sewell’s humongous contract from the Detroit Lions. The Viking might have a case to eclipse that deal as a left tackle (those are regarded as more valuable in the NFL) with a comparable level of play.
Top players such as Tampa Bay’s Tristan Wirfs and Rashawn Slater from the Los Angeles Chargers could increase Darrisaw’s asking price if they sign their deals first. However, the Vikings have their pricey left tackle under contract for two more years, so there’s no need to rush the decision. Waiting another year could erase (or increase) the durability concerns. Either way, the Vikings gain some clarity on whether they should break the bank for the 25-year-old.
There could be some buzz at training camp, but the situation resembles Jefferson’s from a year ago. The Vikings might try to extend his deal in the next two months, but they can wait and find an agreement during the season or next offseason.
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