While it took longer than many expected, the Vikings managed to hammer out a monster extension with Justin Jefferson. The team can now turn its attention to other financial priorities, one of which is a second contract for left tackle Christian Darrisaw. 
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The latter has cemented himself as Minnesota’s blindside blocker, logging 39 starts in 41 games. Darrisaw has become one of the league’s top young offensive linemen over that span, and as a result it came as no surprise when the Vikings picked up his fifth-year option. That has him on track to earn $16.04MM in 2025.
A multi-year extension will check in at a much higher cost, of course. Despite having two years to work out an agreement, talks on an extension are underway. Nothing is imminent at this time, but Darrisaw profiles as a logical extension candidate as a foundational member of the Vikings’ offensive corps. Jefferson and tight end T.J. Hockenson are both on the books for years to come given their respective extensions. Other key offensive players – including wideout Jordan Addison and quarterback J.J. McCarthy – are under team control through the foreseeable future via their rookie contracts.
Alec Lewis of The Athletic notes the Vikings remain interested in working out a Darrisaw extension (subscription required). As he notes, though, general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah – who was not in place when the Virginia Tech alum was drafted – has a deliberate process when it comes to in-house deals. Lewis adds Minnesota is in “no rush” on the Darrisaw front, but a deal near the top of the tackle market could still be on the horizon.
Penei Sewell signed the league’s most lucrative tackle pact despite playing on the right side. In terms of blindside protectors, five players average more than $20MM per year on their respective deals with Laremy Tunsil leading the way at a $25MM AAV. Darrisaw may not reach that level, but Lewis notes he recently changed agents; Drew Rosenhaus now represents him. It will be interesting to see if that change leads to traction being gained as it pertains to negotiations.
As things stand, Minnesota is set to be among the league leaders in 2025 cap space. A free agent departure ahead of next year is not an option for Darrisaw, but the Vikings will have plenty of flexibility to structure a multi-year investment. If team and player display a mutual desire to work out an agreement, a sizable extension could be in place well before his rookie deal expires.