So That’s Where the Vikings Are Spending Money

Ted Schwerzler |

Jul 25, 2024

Vikings fans react in the stands during the game against Tampa Bay. — Minnesota Vikings fans react from the stands during the matchup with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sep. 10, 2023, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The moment captured the early-season energy inside the building as the home crowd responded to shifts in momentum and situational swings, offering a clear look at the atmosphere that often shapes games at the venue. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports.

This offseason was largely about the quarterback and wide receiver positions for the Minnesota Vikings. With cap room remaining, Kwesi Adofo-Mensah just made it about the left tackle position as well.

So That’s Where the Vikings Are Spending Money

Christian Darrisaw is among the best draft picks of former general manager Rick Spielman. He has established himself as among the best left tackles across the entire league, and the only thing stopping him from higher accolades has been injury.

Fully expected to get paid before the 2025 season began, the Vikings did him one better.

It's a four-year, $113 million extension with $77M guaranteed for Christian Darrisaw, whose fifth-year option was exercised in the spring. Now he's locked up for the long haul. https://t.co/LwdCceeYb5
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) July 23, 2024

Paying Darrisaw a $113 million deal over the next four seasons, the Minnesota Vikings have their bookends locked up. Brian O’Neill was recently paid, and now the younger Darrisaw joins him in the check cashing line. With training camp ready to fully kick off, Darrisaw no longer has to worry about his eventual payday.

This is the blueprint that Adofo-Mensah envisioned when letting veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins walk this offseason. Without having a substantial amount of money tied up in a mid-tier quarterback, the Vikings were free to operate with salary cap flexibility once again. Justin Jefferson got the payday only he deserved, and Darrisaw was given the dollars a year early.

Sep 19, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Minnesota Vikings offensive tackle Christian Darrisaw (71) prepares to block against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports.

By drafting J.J. McCarthy in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, the Vikings have their shot at a cost-controlled asset for years to come. Knowing that the quarterback position is the most important in sports, Minnesota took a swing at getting their guy into the future. If they are correct, then this is the exact way you’d want to construct a roster.

It has taken a few years for Adofo-Mensah’s vision to come to life, but we’re now seeing the full picture. Jefferson and Darrisaw were always essential for the future, but it took organizing everything correctly to make the moves possible. He has done all the straightforward work to this point and now needs McCarthy to be the guy that head coach Kevin O’Connell can develop.

Also Read:It’s Time for the Vikings to Make 2 Phone Calls

Ted Schwerzler is a blogger from the Twin Cities that is focused on all things Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings. He’s active on Twitter and writes weekly for Twins Daily. As a former college athlete and avid sports fan, covering our pro teams with a passion has always seemed like such a natural outlet.

By Ted Schwerzler

Ted Schwerzler is a Minneapolis based blogger that covers the Minnesota Twins and Vikings. Sharing thoughts constantly on Twitter, ... More about Ted Schwerzler