Following the conclusion of the 2024 NFL Draft, the Minnesota Vikings acted swiftly on an important roster decision by picking up the fifth-year option for their starting left tackle, Christian Darrisaw. Selected 23rd overall in the 2021 draft, Darrisaw has been a mainstay on the Vikings’ offensive line, starting 39 of the 41 games he has played, including a career-high 15 starts last season.
Darrisaw has distinguished himself as one of the league’s premier young linemen. He earned an impressive pass-block grade of 85.3 from Pro Football Focus (PFF) during the 2023 season, ranking third among all offensive linemen who played at least 50 percent of their team’s offensive snaps. Additionally, in the 2022 season, Darrisaw received a blocking grade of 90.4, positioning him second only to the renowned Trent Williams of the San Francisco 49ers.
Interestingly, Darrisaw has often cited Williams as a significant influence on his playing style. Growing up in the Washington D.C. area, Darrisaw idolized Williams, who spent his first nine seasons with the Washington Redskins, earning seven consecutive Pro Bowl nods during his tenure there.
Although Darrisaw has not yet achieved Pro Bowl recognition, this fact has been financially advantageous for the Vikings. Exercising his fifth-year option for 2025 will cost the team $16 million against the salary cap, which is substantially less than the approximate $20 million it would have cost had Darrisaw made the Pro Bowl in his early years. Looking ahead, Darrisaw is expected to command a contract worth around $25 million annually after his current deal expires, reflecting his value and performance level on the field.
This strategic move by the Vikings not only secures a key player on their offensive line for two more years but also underscores their commitment to maintaining a strong and effective front to protect their quarterback and enhance their running game. As Darrisaw continues to develop and possibly earn Pro Bowl honors, he remains a crucial asset for Minnesota’s offensive ambitions.
