Vikings to Grab Another Bonus Draft Pick
The Minnesota Vikings received sweet, tentative news on Wednesday, on tap to receive a bonus compensatory draft pick in 2026.
Vikings to Grab Another Bonus Draft Pick
Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz tweeted, “Source: Free agent OT Cam Robinson is signing with the Texans. Robinson started all 17 games last season and will help stabilize the line for CJ Stroud.”
Schultz added, “Cam Robinson is going to the Texans on a 1-year deal worth up to $14.5M, per sources. He’s the new blindside protector for CJ Stroud.”
The move is also great for Minnesota, as it is now more likely to receive an additional compensatory draft pick in 2026. As it stands, the Vikings will already receive a 3rd-Rounder in 2026 due to Sam Darnold’s free-agent exit. Robinson to Houston for $14.5 million helps the formula.
Another 2026 4th-Round Pick on the Way … Probably
OverTheCap.com‘s Nick Korte tweeted after the Robinson signing, “And there’s that extra 2026 compensatory pick that the Vikings could have been waiting for. Because Cam Robinson got enough to secure a 5th round valued contract, it also places this comp pick firmly as a 4th or 5th, depending on Daniel Jones’s snaps.”
Zone Coverage‘s Nick Olson added, “Likely just a 5th round comp pick, but the net result is it should allow the Vikings to receive a 4th round comp pick from Daniel Jones (which was previously canceled out). So that leaves MN with now an expected compensatory 3rd (from Darnold) and 4th (from Jones) in 2026.”
So, what’s the verdict? The difference between a 2026 4th-Rounder and 5th-Rounder may depend on Daniel Jones’ snaps in Indianapolis. He signed with the Colts this offseason and is on deck to compete with the big-armed Anthony Richardson for a starter’s job.
Vikings fans should cheer for Jones to win the QB1 job, as that will enhance the likelihood of a 4th-Round selection in 2026.
Already a 2026 3rd-Rounder in the Bag
Minnesota received the very top compensatory pick for Kirk Cousins’ exit last offseason and will spend that capital with the 97th selection in April.
Well, the Vikings are in a similar situation again this go-round, as Sam Darnold bolted for the Seattle Seahawks this week.
Minnesota appears to be in the driver’s seat to grab a 3rd-Rounder in 2026. It’s exactly like Cousins to the Falcons last offseason. No difference.
Cam Robinson in Houston
The one-year, $14.5 million deal for Robinson with the Texans was pure bliss for those who follow the offseason compensatory drama. It’s a thing.
That spurred into motion the updated compensatory pick state of play. Houston’s offensive line, assuming no starters are pulled out of the 2025 NFL Draft, will look like this:
LT: Cam Robinson
LG: Laken Tomlinson
C: Jarrett Patterson
RG: Juice Scruggs
RT: Tytus Howard
Minnesota traded offensive guard Ed Ingram to the Texans about a week ago, and he’ll compete for a starter’s job with Tomlinson.
Sam Darnold in Seattle
Darnold became a Seahawk last week for three years and $100.5 million, with $55 million guaranteed. It’s a fresh start for Darnold, who totally revitalized his career in Minnesota, delivering 36 total touchdowns in 2024, along with 4,319 passing yards and just 12 interceptions.
Paired with head coach Mike Macdonald and offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, who worked with Darnold during the 2023 season in San Francisco, Darnold will be responsible for delivering the rock to Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Cooper Kupp, Kenneth Walker, and Zach Charbonnet on Sundays.
The Seahawks offense ranked 18th per EPA/Play in 2024, so Darnold and Kubiak will hope to nudge that mark closer to the Top 10.
And when Minnesota picks around 97th — again — in the 2026 NFL Draft, folks can thank Darnold for his 2024 breakout season.
Vikings Linked to Sweet Wide Receiver
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 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.
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