The Minnesota Vikings’ decision to sign Justin Jefferson to a massive contract could make it more difficult for the group to retain Christian Darrisaw at left tackle.
Managing editor of Last Word on Sports David Latham suggested that considering the significant cap hits in Jefferson’s contract, the Vikings might be forced to trade Darrisaw.
If Kirk Cousins had stayed with the team, the Vikings would most likely be forced to trade Christian Darrisaw. There’s only so much money in the world, and Justin Jefferson will break the bank. But before Jefferson signed his extension, Latham wrote on June 2, “Minnesota should be able to afford both of their first-round picks with rookie J.J. McCarthy and his cost-controlled contract.”
To start with this disclaimer, the Vikings could still deal Christian Darrisaw. Darrisaw should be able to join the elite group of left tackles who earn upwards of $20 million annually with his next contract. The Vikings must decide whether they can afford to spend almost $55 million a year on two non-quarterbacks, as Justin Jefferson is expected to surpass A.J. Brown’s $32 million contract.
This spring, Darrisaw’s fifth-year option was exercised by the Vikings, extending his contract through the 2025 campaign. But in that year, his cap hit will increase to $16 million from $4.2 million.
Latham’s expectations are also low given that Penei Sewell, a fellow 2021 draft pick, recently rewrote the rules on the left tackle market with a $28 million contract, setting a bar the Vikings may eventually have to cross.
The Vikings have high-priced contracts with T.J. Hockenson and left tackle Brian O’Neill through the 2026 campaign, even though it is anticipated that the salary cap will continue to rise.
The franchise will probably have to make a difficult choice in the future, though it might not be Darrisaw.
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