The Minnesota Vikings are investing in their offensive line, and by extension, their rookie quarterback. Left tackle Christian Darrisaw is signing a massive four-year contract extension worth $113 million, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero. He will earn $77 million in guarantees.
This is a big but ultimately inevitable move that the front office was going to make after trading up to select national champion QB JJ McCarthy with the No. 10 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Darrisaw, a former first-rounder in his own right, has established himself as one of the best pass-blocking tackles in the game over the last couple of seasons.
In a division replete with proven and promising signal-callers and scintillating playmakers, it is imperative for the Vikings to keep pace on offense. Locking up Darrisaw will optimally go a long way towards fulfilling that crucial objective.
The 25-year-old out of Virginia Tech saw his production dip last season after battling some injuries, as he allowed six sacks and 31 total pressures in 15 games. Even so, he earned a top-tier pass-blocking grade of 85.3, per Pro Football Focus. If Christian Darrisaw can stay healthy, he should flirt with All-Pro status and do his part to keep the Vikings competitive this upcoming season.
His contributions notwithstanding, McCarthy will still have to reward the ample faith this organization is placing in him.
Competent QB play is obviously a must for the Vikings
A happy Justin Jefferson should hopefully help in that regard. The elite wide receiver recently inked an extension himself (and a historic one at that) and will continue to be the central component of head coach Kevin O'Connell's offense. Assuming Jordan Addison gets his legal situation sorted out, he figures to be a key contributor as well. TJ Hockenson is a Pro Bowl tight end when at full strength. Former Minnesota foe Aaron Jones and Ty Chandler comprise a capable and versatile backfield that should keep defenses honest.
But much of this team's success will ride on the poise of JJ McCarthy. How the former Michigan star responds under center once he wins the starting job will determine how quickly the Vikings can become a legitimate threat in the NFC. That might not happen this year, but significant progress is expected in the near future. McCarthy is not supposed to be a project. His appeal is his preparedness and grasp of Minnesota's offense.
In case management miscalculated his skill set or intangibles, however, it will fall on the men around him to pick up any slack and mask potential deficiencies. Christian Darrisaw should be an invaluable security blanket for this player and franchise going forward.
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