Oct 16, 2022; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell. Mandatory Credit: Rich Storry-USA TODAY Sports.
When the Minnesota Vikings take the field in 2024, they will do so without an established veteran quarterback for the first time in a handful of years. While Kirk Cousins missed games at times, he was the latest in a line of signal-callers you knew what to expect. That isn’t going to be the case with Sam Darnold, and the position may now take on less importance.
Of course, having a good quarterback in football is the most important position in sports, but considering who the Minnesota Vikings employ at the position, it’s possible to argue that there is another more valuable starter.
If Sam Darnold can establish himself as a quality quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings, then he will go a long way toward resurrecting his career. A payday next season may follow, and allowing J.J. McCarthy time to develop would be ideal. From the jump, though, the expectations weren’t high, and McCarthy was coveted as a rookie prospect. Without a substantial bar set at the position, it’s worth considering who else on the roster may be most missed if their presence is gone.
Justin Jefferson should be considered the best wide receiver in the league, but Jordan Addison stepped up a year ago and has already been touted as someone to watch in year two. T.J. Hockenson’s not being available puts more pressure on Robert Tonyan and Josh Oliver, but it isn’t like either hasn’t previously put up strong numbers.
Ultimately, the conversation has to start and end with the Vikings’ next extension candidate, Christian Darrisaw. We have seen Darrisaw miss time previously, but that was while Cousins was under center, and the quarterback could be expected to make up for some of the difference. The superstar left tackle being unavailable this season would immediately put everyone in a position for a substantial downgrade, and that’s not something Kevin O’Connell can afford.
Blake Brandel has filled in at the tackle spot before, and while he is competing for a starting guard role this year, that should be an expected plan of action without Darrisaw. Looking to secure a new contract following his rookie deal, this season is a big one for the bookend to stay healthy, and an All-Pro selection would require him to do so as well.
Looking at the roster as a whole, it should be a fair argument to make that there is no one more irreplaceable for the Minnesota Vikings in the season ahead than Christian Darrisaw. He will be a straw that stirs the drink, and an offense in transition with a new quarterback under center will need him to show up on a weekly basis.
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.