The Minnesota Vikings have secured left tackle Christian Darrisaw with a four-year contract extension, the team announced on Tuesday.
While the exact financial terms were not disclosed, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the deal could be worth up to $113 million in new money. This contract reportedly includes $77 million in guaranteed money, with $43.7 million guaranteed at signing.
If Darrisaw earns the full $113 million, he will become the highest-paid offensive tackle in the NFL with an average annual salary of $28.25 million. Currently, the Detroit Lions’ Penei Sewell holds the top spot among offensive tackles with an average annual salary of $28 million, according to Spotrac.
Earlier this offseason, Minnesota exercised the fifth-year option on Darrisaw’s rookie contract. The 2021 first-round pick still had two years remaining on his original deal.
Darrisaw has struggled with injuries since entering the NFL and has yet to complete a full season. Despite these setbacks, the 25-year-old has proven to be one of the league’s most dependable left tackles when healthy. According to Pro Football Focus, he was the third-best tackle in pass blocking in 2023.
Over three NFL seasons, Darrisaw has played in 41 games, starting 39 of them, including 15 appearances last year.
Darrisaw is the second key player to receive a substantial extension from the Vikings in 2024, following wide receiver Justin Jefferson. Minnesota appears to be heavily investing in its offensive lineup as they prepare for a quarterback transition. The team drafted J.J. McCarthy 10th overall and signed Sam Darnold as a free agent.
