The Minnesota Vikings have agreed to a trade with the Jacksonville Jaguars to acquire left tackle Cam Robinson, aiming to fill the gap left by the injured Christian Darrisaw. The trade is contingent upon Robinson passing a physical exam. Alongside Robinson, the Vikings will receive a conditional 2026 seventh-round draft pick, while the Jaguars will get a conditional 2026 fifth-round pick, which could escalate to a fourth-rounder based on Robinson’s playing time.
This deal addresses an urgent need for the Vikings after Darrisaw suffered a torn ACL and MCL in his left knee during a recent game against the Los Angeles Rams, an injury expected to sideline him until next season.
Cam Robinson, 29, is in the final year of his contract, which pays him $16.25 million for the season, with Jacksonville covering part of the remaining salary. Robinson’s arrival in Minnesota is a short-term solution for a team that has surprised with a 5-2 start to the season.
With Darrisaw’s recent extension signaling his future with the team, the Vikings are seeking ways to stabilize their offensive line until he returns. Veteran lineman David Quessenberry initially replaced Darrisaw, but head coach Kevin O’Connell has indicated that the team is exploring several options to find the best fit for the remainder of the season.
Other considerations for the Vikings’ offensive line include shifting Blake Brandel from left guard to left tackle, with Dalton Risner stepping into Brandel’s current position. Brandel, who last played left tackle in 2022, expressed the team’s uncertainty about the lineup, with offensive coordinator Wes Phillips emphasizing a focus on putting their best five offensive linemen on the field. Robinson’s recent benching for Jaguars’ lineman Walker Little hints at his role as a short-term fix, but it remains uncertain if he’ll be ready to play in the Vikings’ upcoming game against the Indianapolis Colts.
Robinson has faced challenges during his time with the Jaguars, including missing games due to injuries and a four-game suspension this season for violating the league’s performance-enhancing drug policy. This season, he has played nine games but missed others due to injuries, an ongoing issue since 2020. His history of injuries and missed games may make his addition a gamble for Minnesota, although his 81.7% career pass block win rate demonstrates his potential value in a starting role, especially given the Vikings’ need for depth and stability.
Christian Darrisaw, who was drafted by the Vikings in 2021, has shown promise despite an injury-prone start to his career. He signed a four-year contract extension worth up to $113 million, reflecting his value to the franchise. The recent injury occurred just before halftime against the Rams, with Darrisaw being escorted to the locker room after a collision with Rams safety Jaylen McCollough. His absence has created a critical need, and the Vikings’ efforts to acquire Robinson indicate their commitment to maintaining offensive strength during Darrisaw’s recovery.
