Key Takeaways:
– Minnesota Vikings’ star left tackle, Christian Darrisaw, may be headed for a lucrative contract extension.
– Despite concerns over his injury-laden history, Darrisaw remains a key asset for the Vikings.
– If Darrisaw successfully manages this season, Vikings might have to give him a record-breaking extension contract.
Is A Contract Extension a Tough Call for Christian Darrisaw?
Minnesota Vikings’ Justin Jefferson has recently secured a four-year tenure, a reasonable move considering his stellar performance since the start of his career. However, the road may not be so clear-cut and comfortable when it comes to Christian Darrisaw, Vikings’ star left tackle. Now set to enter his fourth season with the team, Darrisaw may receive a lucrative four-year extension worth $87 million, according to Alec Lewis from The Athletic. Nonetheless, a few question marks are hanging over this type of contract for Darrisaw.
Expressing his concerns, General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah shared that contract extensions after three seasons are a grueling task. Both the team and the player need to navigate the remaining two seasons of the contract. The situation leaves ample room for profit or loss depending on the deal’s structure. Apart from this, the Vikings might have an apprehensive approach considering Darrisaw’s injury history, comprising two concussions in 2022 and consistent ankle and groin disorders.
In the words of ESPN’s Kevin Seifert, while initial extension talks have been held with Darrisaw, no deal appears imminent this offseason. This scenario positions Darrisaw to prove his mettle this season.
How Darrisaw’s Injury History Shouldn’t Worry the Vikings?
Despite his injuries, Darrisaw managed to play a remarkable 15 games last season, a benchmark that even some of the league’s most dependable tackles struggled to achieve. His third-highest pass-block grade (85.3) in the 2023 season clearly illustrates his talent and dedication.
Even some of the best in the industry like 11-time Pro Bowler Trent Williams, Laremy Tunsil, or Andrew Thomas, who signed a $117 million deal with the New York Giants, have seldom managed more than 15 games a season. Darrisaw’s resilience and determination have led him to play 30 of the last 35 games in the past seasons, discounting a three-game absence due to concussions.
What Might the Future Hold for Christian Darrisaw?
A healthy season from Darrisaw might push the Vikings to approve a record-breaking contract extension. To put this into perspective, the Detroit Lions awarded the highest-paid tackle tag to Penei Sewell, Darrisaw’s fellow 2021 draftee. Sewell signed a four-year deal worth $112 million, which comes to $28 million per year; an incredible benchmark for Darrisaw.
While Sewell boasts an injury-free career and multiple accolades, Darrisaw still lacks any awards, likely due to a glut of veteran talent in his position. Yet, Darrisaw’s rise to the top seems a matter of time rather than talent, earning PFF’s second-highest grade in 2022 and ranking seventh in 2023.
As Darrisaw inches closer to becoming a perennial Pro Bowler, the challenge for the Viking will be to seal the deal before other young talents start seeking record-breaking contracts, driving the market higher.