Minnesota Vikings star left lineman Christian Darrisaw will have season-ending knee surgery following an injury he suffered in Week 8 against the Los Angeles Rams, a significant blow for the team’s offensive line.
The Vikings’ 30-20 loss to the Rams on October 24 was their second in four days, following Minnesota’s 5-0 return from the bye. The Vikings (5-2) should sign former Pro Bowl left tackle Charles Leno Jr. because there is no better time to do it right.
Leno, 33, played seven seasons with the Chicago Bears, earning Pro Bowl honors in 2018, before joining the Washington Commanders for a three-year contract from 2020-2023. Leno has never missed a game from 2015 to 2022.
“With Darrisaw down, the Vikings need to bring in an experienced left tackle to keep their playoff aspirations alive. Picking up Leno off the street is a smart option because he has multiple years of starting experience and has been strong in pass protection throughout his career,” Bleacher Report’s scouting section noted ahead of Week 9. “Last season, the 33-year-old surrendered just 34 pressures on 631 snaps in pass protection for the Commanders, according to Pro Football Focus (PFF).”
In 2023, Leno missed three games due to a knee injury and sat out a Week 6 matchup following the loss of his wife to a miscarriage. Despite these challenges, he achieved a solid 72.5 PFF grade, ranking as the 23rd-best tackle in the league. However, he also recorded eight penalties, the highest since 2019.
After having hip surgery in March, Leno was released by Washington and is now a free agent.
Vikings Could Reshuffle O-Line With Darrisaw Sidelined
Another possibility for replacing Darrisaw that Minnesota could consider is rearranging its current staff.
Blake Brandel, a left guard, could take over as left tackle after years of serving as Darrisaw’s backup. Brandel appeared in five games at left tackle in 2022, replacing Darrisaw twice in the middle of games due to concussions, and performed admirably.
That move would put Dalton Risner in the starting left guard position. Of course, this would rule out the possibility of replacing underperforming right guard Ed Ingram with Risner, which the organization contemplated internally prior to Darrisaw’s injury.
Whatever way the Vikings go, the offensive line’s performance will suffer. Darrisaw is an All-Pro type player who signed a four-year, $113 million agreement in the summer and cannot be replaced.
Minnesota’s offensive line has been consistent under Kevin O’Connell. The reorganization appears to be the more realistic alternative.
However, Leno is likely to sign for the veteran minimum and is a valuable pickup for depth. He could eventually take over at left tackle after he develops chemistry with the rest of the starters.
2 Trade Targets for Vikings O-Line
With the NFL’s November 5 trade deadline less than two weeks away, the Vikings must examine any final fortifications they can achieve through trade.
Alec Lewis of The Athletic identified two offensive lineman who may help the Vikings’ offensive line.
Brady Christensen, a fourth-year Carolina Panthers lineman, is experiencing a breakout season after being selected in the third round of the 2021 selection. He’s come off the bench in the last two weeks and impressed at center, raising his stock before he hits free agency. The Panthers would be wise to use draft capital as they prepare to rebuild. Originally a tackle prospect, Christensen has played every position at Carolina and may simply require a change of scenery to prosper in the long run.
Will Fries, guard for the Indianapolis Colts, is another option. With five games played this season, he is the fourth-highest ranked guard according to PFF. Fries also struggled early in his career and is nearing the end of his rookie contract.
