No Extension Imminent for Vikings’ Left Tackle Christian Darrisaw

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NFL: Minnesota Vikings at Philadelphia Eagles
Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Current Minnesota Vikings’ left tackle Christian Darrisaw was drafted by former GM Rick Spielman, at pick No. 23 in the 2021 NFL Draft. Nearly immediately, investing that pick in Darrisaw started to pay dividends. Three seasons into his professional football career, he is one of the top left tackles in the NFL.

Now that Darrisaw has played in the NFL for three seasons, he is eligible for the first time for a contract extension. Unfortunately, it doesn’t sound like that extension is going to happen this offseason.

No contract extension imminent for Christian Darrisaw

According to Kevin Seifert (ESPN), the two sides have touched base and the Vikings have made it clear how much they value Darrisaw as a “key building block” for their future. Still, there is no indication that a deal is imminent and it’s unlikely it gets done this summer.

Darrisaw is every bit the building block that Jefferson is, despite the imbalance in public discussion between the two. That’s the case despite the fact that Darrisaw has yet to earn an initial spot in the Pro Bowl (he was a fourth alternate in 2023), let alone an All-Pro designation.

Where Darrisaw stands in the NFL hierarchy of left tackles is debatable, but what’s indisputable is that the Vikings view him as a player who can hold down his position into the next decade.

There have been initial talks between the sides, as would be expected, but there is no indication that a deal — which would be two years early, something that happens in relatively rare occasions — is imminent. — 

Kevin Seifert – Minnesota Vikings’ Beat Writer (ESPN)

Don’t fret too much. Just because the Vikings aren’t immediately extending their stud left tackle, doesn’t mean they are planning to trade or move on from him.

Related: MMQB Insiders Suggest Justin Jefferson Trade Rumors Have Pushed Him Further Away from Vikings

Seifert notes how uncommon it is for extensions to take place two years early. Minnesota picked up Darrisaw’s fifth-year option this time last month, meaning he is still under contract for two seasons.

With his fifth-year option picked up, Darrisaw will make approximately $16 million in 2025. Not only that, but the Vikings will have control of Darrisaw’s contract through the 2025 season, excluding the franchise tag. That puts him in purple and gold for at least two more seasons. And news just broke this morning that he will have his left side partner Dalton Risner by his side again in 2024.

Projected timeline for a Christian Darrisaw extension

It’s unclear as to exactly when the Vikings plan to extend Darrisaw, but according to Seifert, it’s quite clear it won’t be happening this offseason. With that said, it does seem fairly likely that the contract extensions will pick up significantly between Darrisaw and the team next offseason.

As we’ve seen with star wide receiver Justin Jefferson, the Vikings aren’t afraid to negotiate a contract with a “key building block” player heading into the final year of his deal. And if there is any truth to these rumors that the Wilfs are trying to recoup cash spent on their MLS franchise, then there was never any real chance the Vikings were going to pay MASSIVE signing bonuses to Darrisaw and Jefferson in the same summer.

Related: Report: Vikings Never Tried Trading Up for Malik Nabers

It’s quite clear that the focus is on Jefferson’s extension this offseason, but fully expect the Vikings and Darrisaw to agree to terms on a new deal next offseason. If that doesn’t happen, the Vikings can negotiate a new deal after the 2025 season and/or explore using the franchise tag.

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