Vikings GM Pulled off Trade Master Class

Vikings
Minnesota Vikings General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah addressed the media about the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft from the TCO Performance Center. The Vikings have long-term draft needs at quarterback, cornerback, and interior offensive line.

Some didn’t like the trade because Cam Robinson’s addition to the Minnesota Vikings’ roster seemed like a 10-game rental.

Vikings GM Pulled off Trade Master Class

General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah fired off the trade Tuesday with season-saving implications, sending a conditional 5th-Round draft pick from 2026 to 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.

Jacksonville Jaguars offensive tackle C. Robinson (74) walks off the field after being ejected for fighting with Carolina Panthers defensive tackle Derrick Brown (95), not shown, during the fourth quarter of a regular season NFL football matchup Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023, at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. The Jacksonville Jaguars blanked the Carolina Panthers 26-0. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union].

Why was the deal made? Well, Minnesota’s franchise cornerstone left tackle, Christian Darrisaw, will miss the rest of 2024 with a torn ACL + MCL he suffered one week ago. Meanwhile, the Robinson trade details keep getting better.

ESPN’s Field Yates tweeted Wednesday, “To facilitate the trade of Cam Robinson to the Vikings, the Jaguars absorbed just over $7M of his remaining base salary, per source. The Vikings will owe Robinson $2M in base salary plus $58,824 for each game he is active for the rest of this season. Robinson can begin practicing tomorrow.”

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports.

Financially, Yates’ details revealed the trade as close to free for the Vikings — it’s a bit abnormal for the “other team” to swallow that much salary.

Robinson is similar to Vikings guard Dalton Risner, with his skill set more focused on pass protection and lagging a bit in run-blocking. But with Darrisaw on the shelf, Minnesota would never really be able to acquire an adequate replacement. Robinson is the best available option, all the things considered.

The trade also snuffs out any organic replacement plan.

Veteran reserve OT David Quessenberry was on track to start for Darrisaw, but that plan hit the backburner. Too, some speculated that Minnesota could shift left guard Blake Brandel to left tackle while inserting the aforementioned Risner at Brandel’s LG spot. That would-be switcheroo won’t happen.

Jacksonville Jaguars offensive tackle C. Robinson (74) looks on 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.

For trade naysayers — they’re out there — these are the three main facets to understand about the deal:

  1. Minnesota will only pay $2 million of Robinson’s salary — NFL pennies.
  2. The Vikings’ brass still believes the team can contend in 2024; Robinson helps keep the playoff window alive.
  3. Minnesota will likely receive a compensatory pick if Robinson bolts in free agency, possibly negating the 4th- or 5th-Rounder shipped to the Jaguars.
Vikings
January 10th, 2024. Minnesota Head Coach Kevin O’Connell and GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah addressed the media from the TCO Performance Center, concluding the 2023 NFL regular season. Minnesota finished 7-10 in 2023 and missed the postseason.

So, yes — this is also known as a trade masterclass, featuring very little risk with multiple bet hedges.

The Vikings host the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday night, and Robinson is expected to start at left tackle.


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 MIN 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.