One of the cornerstones for the Vikings is staying in Minnesota for the long term.
Left tackle Christian Darrisaw and the Vikings agreed to a four-year contract extension worth $133 million, with $77 million of that money guaranteed. According to multiple reports.
Darrisaw, 25, still had two years remaining on his rookie contract, but the Vikings decided to keep him through the 2029 season, the team said. Confirmed in a news release.
The 2021 first-round draft pick out of Virginia Tech has played in 39 games since then and has only been called for holding twice in his career.
He has an 82.4 grade for the 2023 season according to Pro Football Focus and has allowed 11 sacks over the past two years.
Last year, the Vikings allowed 47 saves as a team, which was 10th-most in the NFL.
Retaining talented members of the offensive line is a top priority for the Vikings, who selected University of Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy in the first round of this year’s draft.
McCarthy, who led the Wolverines to a national title last season, is a promising quarterback and the Vikings likely want Darrisaw to handle the blindside blocking.
But as of now, McCarthy won’t be the No. 1 quarterback heading into Week 1 of the season.
Former Jets quarterback Sam Darnold, a former first-round draft pick himself, remains QB1 when training camp opens in Minnesota this week.
Head coach Kevin O’Connell told reporters on Monday that Darnold will play the majority of first-team minutes in training camp after spending a year as a reserve for the 49ers.
“I have no preconceived ideas or predetermined depth map in my mind other than Sam being the No. 1 quarterback. He’s [starters]” Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell said. Speaking at camp on Monday“Sam had a great spring, JJ came in through the draft and had a very productive spring as well.
“My message to them is that I want a really competitive situation.”
