Don’t Expect a Vikings Trade Acquisition to Return for Year 2
Christian Darrisaw suffered torn ACL and MCL ligaments in October’s loss versus the Los Angeles Rams, knocking the standout left tackle out for the entire season and putting his status for training camp and the early phases of the 2025 campaign in jeopardy. To replace him in the surprisingly competitive 2024 season, the Vikings made a move for a veteran.
Don’t Expect a Vikings Trade Acquisition to Return for Year 2
The surprisingly uncompetitive Jacksonville Jaguars found themselves in a situation with two capable left tackles in former second-rounder and backup Walker Little in the final year of his rookie deal and longtime staple on their offensive line, Cam Robinson, in the starting role.
Because he was also set to be a free agent after the season, the Vikings sent a 2026 mid-round pick for Robinson and a conditional seventh-rounder.
His experience allowed him to start for the Vikings immediately, and he ultimately suited up in 11 games with his new team (ten in the regular season and one playoff matchup). Now, his contract is up, and he will hit the open market on March 12. His representation can negotiate a new deal on March 10.
Ben Goessling, The Star Tribune, doesn’t forecast Robinson to stay in the Twin Cities, “The Vikings’ trade for the 29-year-old Robinson helped stabilize the line after Christian Darrisaw’s injury, but the former second-round pick struggled enough in pass protection that he’s unlikely to earn a significant deal with Darrisaw coming back from a torn ACL. He gave up 21 pressures in the Vikings’ final two games, including 12 in their loss to the Rams.”
Robinson was a downgrade from Darrisaw, there’s no doubt about it. However, besides a few (expected) communication errors shortly after arriving, Robinson was not much of a liability in the critical spot on Sam Darnold’s blindside.
Later in the year, his play declined as opponents learned how to take advantage of him. He didn’t respond particularly well against speedy pass rushers, and the Rams and Lions took advantage of that.
The 29-year-old allowed 21 QB pressures in the final two games of the year. Paired with underwhelming play in the running game throughout his entire career, the Vikings hope to get Darrisaw back at the left tackle spot sooner rather than later.
Robinson is still expected to draw significant interest in free agency. PFF predicted that he would get a three-year contract worth $18.75 million yearly.
The Vikings, meanwhile, will look to upgrade the interior of the offensive line, but the tackle positions are set with Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill. Some folks have suggested that Robinson could stay as a guard, but as long as he can get money on the more player-friendly tackle market, there’s no reason for him to move that move. He has never played offensive guard in his NFL career.
Kwesi Adofo-Mensah knew he would get a one-year rental when he made the move to bolster his offensive line at the trade deadline, and there’s no reason to change that plan.
Editor’s Note: Information from PFF, 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