The Vikings’ Trenches Hinge on a Boost from In-House Talent
Football is a matchup sport. As a result, being able to employ an elite left tackle is helpful since he’s often tasked with disarming the other team’s most imposing pass rusher.
The Vikings’ trenches were supposed to be a great strength in 2025. Injuries aplenty — and possibly some coaching troubles? — contributed toward underperforming (the passers often failed to make life easier for the front five). Not only did LT1 Christian Darrisaw have health problems, but there was an issue with inconsistent play while on the gridiron.
The Vikings’ Trenches & LT1 Christian Darrisaw
Sitting atop the pile of questions about the o-line is what’s going to take place at center.
Veteran Ryan Kelly offers little concern if the only criteria is on-field ability. But then there’s the reality of needing to consider the broader context. In Kelly, the Vikings have an older, oft-injured center who is coming off a season where he worked through a trio of concussions. Genuinely, folks, there must be a consideration of a player’s long-term health.
In response, the turn could be to Blake Brandel or Michael Jurgens. Anyone else on the depth chart make sense? Getting just sturdy, not sizzling, play at center should be enough if all of the other offensive linemen get to where they’re supposed to be.
Prior to getting fired, Kwesi Adofo-Mensah had to fend off a question about what the confidence level is in Christian Darrisaw.
Check out how the former GM answered: “He’s a year removed from that injury, so time is on our side in terms of kind of getting away from that injury point. Another year of rehab, strengthening, and different things like that.” Shortly thereafter, Adofo-Mensah noted Darrisaw being very “important” while then saying that Minnesota has “gotta be more mindful of” fortifying the tackle depth.
Consider, for instance, a Vikings future where Darrisaw is back on the field for all seventeen games in 2026. In that scenario, Minnesota now gets to re-allocate blocking resources due to how sensational Darrisaw can be. He is uniquely-gifted at left tackle, someone who possesses easy power in his mitts that allows him to keep the QB upright while clearing running lanes for RBs.
The stubborn reality, though, has been Darrisaw’s inability to play a full season. At best, Darrisaw got into action for fifteen games (2023). Nowhere else across his five seasons has he been able to soar any higher. These past two seasons have involved playing in seventeen out of a possible thirty-four games, exactly half of his chances.
The Vikings’ LT1 is operating under a four-year extension that comes in at $104 million in total compensation. Not cheap, but fully worth it (within NFL finances, at least) if he lives up to his potential.
What’s so striking about Adofo-Mensah’s answer included above is that the former GM seems to tip his hand, admitting that beefing up the OT3 spot needs added priority given the turbulence within Christian Darrisaw’s career.
Opposite Darrisaw at left tackle is right tackle Brian O’Neill. He, too, has worked through injuries but has generally done a much better job of being available. Look for Mr. O’Neill to get extended so as to lower his present-day cap charge while keeping the RT1 attached to the roster for several more seasons.
Operating as the LG1 is Donovan Jackson (added as a 1st-Round selection in 2025) alongside RG1 Will Fries (added on a beefy deal in 2025). The pair of guards have high upside. Jackson, in particular, appears to be someone who is capable of rising up to elite due to his toughness, leadership, and compete.
The Vikings very much want to see a 2026 season where Christian Darrisaw gets to partner alongside Jackson. In that scenario, Minnesota could have an edge in the trenches not just for the upcoming season but for years to come.
Christian Darrisaw, 26, stands at 6’5″ and weighs 315 pounds. He has yet to reach his ceiling.
