Vikings’ Left Tackle Situation in 2025 Remains Uncertain

The Minnesota Vikings have a franchise left tackle in Christian Darrisaw, but his availability for the 2025 season remains uncertain following a recent report from ESPN.

Darrisaw suffered a season-ending ACL and MCL tear in Week 8, prompting the Vikings to trade for Jacksonville Jaguars left tackle Cam Robinson as his replacement. The acquisition helped stabilize the Vikings’ season after consecutive losses to the Detroit Lions and Los Angeles Rams post-Week 6 bye.

Now, Robinson is expected to command a lucrative contract in free agency, with teams like the Kansas City Chiefs and Rams reportedly interested in acquiring him. However, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler suggests a return to Minnesota is still a possibility.

“Robinson quite possibly played his way above the $20-million-per-year threshold,” Fowler wrote. “The Rams and Chiefs are among teams that could be looking for left tackle help. And a return to Minnesota isn’t totally off the table, after the Vikings traded for Robinson at midseason.”

Vikings Face Uncertainty Regarding Christian Darrisaw’s Recovery

If Minnesota is considering re-signing Robinson, it raises questions about Darrisaw’s recovery timeline.

Darrisaw signed a four-year, $104 million extension in July, averaging $26 million annually. Given the Vikings’ track record with injured stars, he may have a prolonged recovery process ahead.

Tight end T.J. Hockenson, who suffered a similar ACL and MCL tear in December 2023, did not return until Week 8 of the following season. Darrisaw underwent surgery on November 4, and with an estimated recovery timeline of 9-12 months, his availability for the start of the 2025 season is in doubt.

Costly Options to Cover Darrisaw’s Absence

If Darrisaw is not ready for Week 1, the Vikings will need to explore alternative solutions on the offensive line, with Robinson as the most expensive option.

Pro Football Focus (PFF) projects Robinson to receive a three-year, $56 million contract as the No. 2-ranked tackle and the 17th-best free agent overall. The Vikings would likely prefer a short-term deal, but Robinson’s market value could make that difficult.

Another potential solution is moving Blake Brandel back to tackle. Brandel started the 2024 season at left guard but has experience stepping in for Darrisaw. Minnesota could also opt to revamp the interior offensive line by signing new guards and a center, making Brandel a backup for the final two years of his contract.

Brandel signed a three-year, $9.5 million extension last offseason with expectations of being a starting guard, but he could provide valuable depth at tackle as well.

Additionally, 2024 sixth-round pick Walter Rouse has shown potential and could be considered for a transition to the interior offensive line.

The Vikings face difficult decisions regarding their offensive front, and how they approach Robinson’s free agency will offer insight into their confidence in Darrisaw’s recovery.