Jacksonville Jaguars offensive tackle Cam Robinson (74) talks during the third day of an NFL football training camp practice Friday, July 26, 2024 at EverBank Stadium’s Miller Electric Center in Jacksonville, Fla. © Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK.
ESPN didn’t really enjoy it, labeling the Minnesota Vikings a C+ grade for their troubles.
That’s Tuesday’s Cam Robinson trade with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Minnesota’s direct replacement plan for Christian Darrisaw, who tore his ACL and MCL six days ago.
General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah fired off the trade with season-saving implications, sending a conditional 5th-Round draft pick from 2026 to the Jacksonville for Robinson and a 2026 7th-Rounder. The trade is also fascinating because the Vikings could be eligible for a compensatory draft pick in 2026 if Robinson departs in free agency 4.5 months from now. The move could be close to free when the dust settles.
But according to ESPN, the addition for Minnesota is average at best. Seth Walder assigned the C+ mark and explained, “In general, I don’t love Robinson as a Darrisaw replacement. But the real question is: What were the alternatives? David Quessenberry came in for Darrisaw immediately after the injury and has recorded an 82% pass block win rate in a tiny sample this season, but he has an 88% pass block win rate since 2020 — almost average in a sample that includes 30 starts (with a run block win rate that’s about average). That’s not bad at all in terms of an internal backup plan.”
Some Vikings fans shared ESPN’s C+ sentiment, mainly because Robinson could easily be a 10-game rental before testing free agency in March. Minnesota, on the other hand, still wants to win the Super Bowl this season.
“Ultimately, I don’t love giving up draft capital for a player who hasn’t performed and was recently benched, but I also understand there weren’t incredible alternatives elsewhere. The internal options and a late-round pick swap for a depth lineman might have been preferable. The conditions offer some downside protection for Minnesota here, though,” Walder added.
Conversely, Walder handed the Jaguars a B+ graded and noted, “For Jacksonville, potentially getting a fourth-round pick for a player who you just benched is a nice return. Given its status as a noncontender, replacing Robinson with Little is fine, particularly since Robinson’s contract is up after the season ends. Though the Jaguars might have received a compensatory pick for Robinson had they held onto him and let him walk in free agency, those picks are far from guaranteed.”
Outside of the ESPN assessment, the “trade grade” boils down to the beholder’s perception. If one wants the Vikings to capitalize on the 5-2 start in 2024 and pursue a playoff push, the deal is outstanding. It keeps skin in the game. However, if one believes Minnesota will miss the postseason or lose right away in the tournament, well, the transaction is silly because it cost a 5th-Rounder that could morph into a 4th.
But don’t forget about the compensatory pick angle. Should Robinson sign with a new team in free agency, the Vikings will likely get some draft pick compensation in 2026.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. The show features guests, analysis, and opinion on all things related to the purple team, with 4-7 episodes per week. His Vikings obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band). He follows the NBA as closely as the NFL.
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.