The Minnesota Vikings are in the midst of a rebuild. After letting Kirk Cousins walk in free agency, the team is trying to build for the future. They took Michigan quarterback JJ McCarthy in the first round, hoping he could be the answer at the position long term. Justin Jefferson is still one of the best receivers in the league, and the defense has some up-and-coming players. The franchise is locking down another important piece, the left tackle. Offensive tackle Christian Darrisaw has been given a massive contract extension.
Minnesota Vikings Extend OT Christian Darrisaw
NFL Network Insiders Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport reported the extension on Tuesday afternoon. The Minnesota Vikings are giving Christian Darrisaw a four-year, $113 million extension with $77 million being guaranteed. Minnesota decided not to wait to lock down their young left tackle. He still has two years left on his rookie deal. The 23rd overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft has proven he can play at a high level in the NFL.
Per Pro Football Focus, the former Virginia Tech player has had a blocking efficiency percentage of 97 or better throughout his career. He has only given up 11 sacks in the past two seasons. As the team transitions to a new quarterback, it is imperative they keep whoever it is upright. It doesn’t matter how good a young quarterback is if he doesn’t have time to throw the ball. This is a great long-term investment for the team and shows why they may not rush to sign Cousins to a deal.
Decision To Move On From Cousins
Kirk Cousins got a four-year, $180 million contract with $100 million guaranteed from the Atlanta Falcons. This shows the type of deal he was looking for. While the team could have paid it, it would have left the salary cap situation in a precarious spot. The Minnesota Vikings ultimately decided to focus on the future rather than try to win now. While this was no doubt a tough decision, it allowed the team to do this kind of extension. Instead of an aging quarterback for four years, they now have their left tackle signed for the next half-decade.
The Vikings may not win many games this year, but they are setting themselves up for the future. They have many promising young players and top-tier talent in certain positions. The NFC North will be tough this year, with the Lions, Packers, and even the Bears improving. However, the Vikings will be tough out even in a rebuilding year, and they are setting themselves up well for the future.
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