The Minnesota Vikings faced a tough setback on Thursday, not only losing the game but also star player Christian Darrisaw to a season-ending ACL injury. With the Vikings still in a strong position for a playoff spot, Darrisaw’s absence will likely prompt GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah to explore roster adjustments at the left tackle position.
While the team could opt to stick with David Quessenberry, who is 34 and hasn’t made more than four starts since 2021, it’s more likely they will seek to acquire another left tackle. One potential free agent is D.J. Humphries. Though not a marquee name, he is experienced and still relatively young at 30. His best years may be behind him, but he made his first Pro Bowl just two years ago.
After the Cardinals drafted left tackle Paris Johnson Jr. with the sixth overall pick in 2023, Humphries’ future in Arizona became uncertain, and he remains unsigned a year later. Last season, he ranked 67th among tackles, which would be a notable downgrade from Darrisaw, who was rated as the 10th-best tackle before his injury.
The Vikings have various options to replace Darrisaw, including signing a free agent. Among the available linemen is former Pro Bowl left tackle Charles Leno, who has started 141 of his 149 career games since being drafted in 2014. Despite ranking as the 32nd-best tackle last season, Leno has yet to find a team this year. His strong performance in pass protection, where he received a 77.8 grade, makes him an appealing option. The only team he has been linked to recently is the Patriots, which he declined due to their poor record. However, the prospect of joining a 5-2 Vikings team could be more attractive.
Another option could be Jacksonville’s Cam Robinson, currently their starting left tackle. Given the Jaguars’ 2-5 record, they might be open to a trade, especially if the Vikings are willing to cover part of his $16.2 million salary. Robinson has performed well, ranking 32nd among tackles, excelling in both run blocking and pass protection.
Carolina’s Brady Christensen could also be an intriguing trade target. Stuck on a struggling Panthers team at 1-6, Christensen has played mostly as a backup in recent seasons but is versatile enough to fill any position on the line. Acquiring him would not only address the left tackle need but also allow the Vikings to evaluate his long-term potential.
Finally, there’s the notable possibility of two-time All-Pro left tackle David Bakhtiari. Although he has spent his entire career with the Green Bay Packers, if he’s looking for a new opportunity, joining a contender like the Vikings could be appealing. Despite his injury history—two of his last three seasons ended early—if he’s healthy, Bakhtiari could be the ideal candidate to step in for Darrisaw this season.
