Every Left Tackle That Has Been Linked to the Minnesota Vikings Since Christian Darrisaw’s Injury

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D.J. Humphries, Arizona Cardinals - Minnesota Vikings trade rumors
Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images

Thomas Shea-Imagn Images

When the Minnesota Vikings fell short on Thursday Night Football they lost more than just a tally in the win column. On a night where nothing really went right, either offensively or defensively, against a then 2-4 Los Angeles Rams team they were favored to beat.

But the dagger of week 8 came via a season-ending Christian Darrisaw knee injury, that happened as the final seconds of the first half were taking away. Now, the Vikings can add left tackle to their list of needs, with just over one week remaining until the 2024 NFL Trade Deadline.

Every LT linked to Minnesota Vikings since Christian Darrisaw injury

While Kevin O’Connell does have at least one decent internal option, there have been plenty of outside names linked to Minnesota, as well. Here’s the full rundown of every LT currently outside the organization, who has been tied to the Vikings in one form or another, since Darrisaw’s injury.

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D.J. Humphries, Free Agent

A former first round pick, Humphries has spent his entire professional career playing for the Arizona Cardinals. He has started every game he has ever played in (98), but was released prior to the 2024 season.

Injuries have been an issue, but he played at a Pro Bowl level in 2021. Albert Breer recently brought his name up as a potential fit for Minnesota, and as a free agent it’s a relatively straightforward acquisition.

Although Humphries is 30 years old, the Vikings don’t exactly need to worry about building the position for years to come. Darrisaw signed a new contract prior to this season, and should return to Pro Bowl form next season. Humphries may not yet be ready to go, but did take a recent visit to the Giants and should be close to available.

Related: 5 Christian Darrisaw Injury Replacements for the Minnesota Vikings

David Bakhtiari, Free Agent

Similarities between Bakhtiari and Humphries are significant. Both are current free agents, that have dealt with injuries, and have played their entire career for a single team. The Vikings know Bakhtiari well as the former Green Bay Packers guard has 131 career NFL starts.

He too is a name brought up by Breer. Bakhtiari is a bit of a dice roll as he has been limited to just 13 games the past three seasons, and he just turned 33 years old. If the veteran wants to give it another go for a team with legitimate playoff aspirations, then staying in a division he knows well could make sense.

Related: Report: Minnesota Vikings Will Wait Another Week to Decide NFL Trade Deadline Plans

Charles Leno Jr., Free Agent

Another free agent that Breer thinks the Vikings could kick the tires on is Charles Leno Jr. At 33 years old he is the same age as Bakhtiari but there isn’t much of an injury history to worry about. Leno Jr. spent the bulk of his career with the Chicago Bears prior to playing for Washington the past three seasons.

Last season did end with Leno Jr. playing in just 13 games as he dealt with a hip issue. Ultimately it required surgery in March, and that led to his release by the Commanders. A clean bill of health should be the expectation at this point, and he could easily slot in as an immediate starter.

Brady Christensen, Carolina Panthers

The only trade target on this list is a name that Alec Lewis highlighted for The Athletic. Christensen hasn’t played tackle in the NFL consistently since his first season. However, he is a polished guard, and just 28-years-old. With a contract extension, he would fill an emergency need in 2024, plus fix their right guard spot, in the long run. That may make him the most intriguing option of the bunch.

It remains to be seen what the Panthers would ask for in exchange. Christensen has been relegated to backup duties for Carolina, and they are an awful team at this point. Minnesota making a two-player deal that includes Adam Thielen as well could be a lot of fun.

Related: Local Insider Identifies Two Intriguing Minnesota Vikings Trade Targets

There is also the possibility that the Vikings do nothing, to add OL help, and instead slide Blake Brandel back over to left tackle. That’s probably the path of least resistance and would be a straightforward way to address the position. That scenario does leave Ed Ingram still starting, and exposes Dalton Risner’s lacking skills in run blocking scenarios.

Related: Minnesota Vikings May Already Have Their New Left Tackle on Roster

Minnesota is quickly approaching a tilt against the Indianapolis Colts and they’ll need to figure out their decision soon.

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