NFL Rumors: Christian Darrisaw, Vikings Agree to 4-Year Contract Worth Up to $113M

The Minnesota Vikings are taking no chances with Christian Darrisaw two years out from his free agency.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the sides agreed to a four-year, $113 million extension, which includes $77 million guaranteed. His $28.3 million annual salary pushes him just ahead of the Detroit Lions’ Penei Sewell ($28 million) as the highest-paid tackle in the NFL.

Darrisaw has appeared in 41 games with Minnesota since the team selected him 23rd overall in the 2021 NFL draft.

While the 25-year-old is waiting on his first Pro Bowl nod, his massive payday points to how highly he’s regarded. He was sixth in the annual offensive tackle rankings from ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, who canvasses personnel from around the NFL to put the list together.

“Excellent combination of strength, athleticism and well-rounded production in both phases,” one personnel director said to Fowler. “The body control stands out.”

The Vikings are in a bit of a holding pattern after quarterback Kirk Cousins left and signed with the Atlanta Falcons. Rather than do anything drastic to replace him, they signed Sam Darnold and used the 10th overall pick on Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy.

General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has used the offseason to solidify the foundation for the future. The franchise’s hopes are pinned squarely on McCarthy, while Darrisaw’s extension follows Justin Jefferson’s massive four-year, $140 million pact.

In the case of Jefferson, his long-term status in Minneapolis had been a lingering storyline for more than a year. That may have influenced the decision to strike a bargain with Darrisaw now rather than wait until he would’ve been playing on his club option in 2025.

Outside of Minnesota, Tampa Bay Buccaneers tackle Tristan Wirfs might be the biggest winner from Tuesday’s news.

The three-time Pro Bowler is due to hit the open market next spring, and Darrisaw’s deal gives him another point of leverage at the negotiating table. There’s no reason why Wirfs can’t reset the tackle market and get $29 million-plus per season based on his production so far.