The Minnesota Vikings find themselves in a bit of a rebuild after Kirk Cousins left in free agency to join the Atlanta Falcons. The Vikings responded by signing Sam Darnold in free agency but they also drafted their quarterback of the future in J.J. McCarthy in the 2024 NFL Draft. Minnesota might not be able to compete in the NFC North after seeing the Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, and Chicago Bears all improve in the offseason but the 2024 NFL season should be about the growth and development of its young players. However, the Vikings do have a […]
The Minnesota Vikings find themselves in a bit of a rebuild after Kirk Cousins left in free agency to join the Atlanta Falcons.
The Vikings responded by signing Sam Darnold in free agency but they also drafted their quarterback of the future in J.J. McCarthy in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Minnesota might not be able to compete in the NFC North after seeing the Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, and Chicago Bears all improve in the offseason but the 2024 NFL season should be about the growth and development of its young players.
However, the Vikings do have a crucial bit of business left to attend to before the start of the season as left tackle Christian Darrisaw is extension-eligible.
Darrisaw has been manning the left side of the offensive line since being drafted in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft and rightfully deserves a raise.
Although his injury history is concerning, it sounds like Minnesota is still interested in signing him to an extension, via Alec Lewis of The Athletic.
“The Vikings could also be cautious given Darrisaw’s injury history. He suffered two concussions in 2022. Ankle and groin injuries have also hampered his availability. Whether Darrisaw inks an extension or not may depend on his willingness to wait,” Lewis reported (via The Purple Persuasion).
Locking up one of the best left tackles in the NFL would be good business for the Vikings, who need to invest in their offensive line to help McCarthy develop.
Darrisaw’s injury history is indeed concerning, but it’s hard to find players of his caliber on the open market.
The Vikings have elevated Derik Keyes to Director of Football Development/Assistant Performance Coach and Matt Duhamel to Associate Head Athletic Trainer & Director of Rehabilitation.
That is a very positive recommendation for Duhamel. When it comes to medical matters, trust is crucial, and Duhamel has enough of it.
Under Tyler Williams, the Vice President of Player and Health Performance, Keyes and Duhamel will both report.
Duhamel has been with the Vikings for 12 years and Keyes for nine years. That kind of tenure is important for an organization and current players had nice things to say about both individuals.
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