The Minnesota Vikings could face a pivotal offseason decision as they navigate their left tackle situation, with uncertainty surrounding Christian Darrisaw’s recovery from a severe knee injury. Darrisaw, a cornerstone of the Vikings’ offensive line, underwent surgery to repair both the ACL and MCL in his left knee, leaving the timeline for his return unclear. This situation has put the Vikings in a position to potentially seek a reliable replacement to anchor the offensive line moving forward.
To address the immediate void left by Darrisaw, the Vikings made a bold move at this season’s trade deadline, acquiring veteran left tackle Cam Robinson from the Jacksonville Jaguars. Robinson’s arrival provided a much-needed boost to stabilize the offensive line, but his tenure in Minnesota is unlikely to extend beyond this season. At 29 years old, Robinson commands a hefty price tag, having previously earned $18 million annually with the Jaguars, and is poised to become a sought-after asset in the 2025 free agency market.
NFL analysts, including Matt Holder of Bleacher Report, speculate that Robinson’s time in Minnesota will be short-lived, with the Dallas Cowboys emerging as a prime destination. Holder noted that Dallas has struggled at left tackle, particularly with rookie Tyler Guyton facing challenges in pass protection. Bringing in a seasoned veteran like Robinson could provide the Cowboys with a solid starting option while allowing Guyton additional time to develop. Holder emphasized Robinson’s proven track record as a dependable blindside protector and suggested that a short-term deal with Dallas would align with their Super Bowl aspirations and the need to safeguard quarterback Dak Prescott, who will be returning from injury.
Since joining the Vikings in Week 9, Robinson has started every game at left tackle but has delivered inconsistent performances. While he has shown flashes of his capability, Robinson’s discipline has been a concern. In just eight games, he has accumulated eight penalties, placing him second on the team in that category. Advanced statistics from Pro Football Focus (PFF) reveal mixed results in his protection duties. Robinson has been credited with allowing only two sacks but has already given up 25 pressures and 20 hurries, ranking among the highest on the Vikings’ roster in those metrics.
Robinson’s uneven play, coupled with his high market value, diminishes the likelihood of him returning to Minnesota on a short-term bridge deal for the 2025 season. However, his imposing physical presence—standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing 335 pounds—combined with his extensive NFL starting experience, ensures that he will attract significant interest from teams in need of offensive line reinforcements.
The question remains whether Robinson’s free agency market will reflect the lucrative three-year, $54 million franchise tag extension he received from Jacksonville in 2022. Despite his mixed performance, Robinson’s addition has coincided with a remarkable turnaround for the Vikings, who have remained undefeated since acquiring him. This success could make him an appealing option for a team like Dallas, where his veteran leadership and proven skills could stabilize their offensive line.
As the Vikings assess their long-term plans, finding a solution at left tackle will be critical to maintaining their offensive stability. Whether that involves a temporary stopgap or a search for a long-term answer, the coming months will shape the team’s strategy as they aim to build on their recent success and contend in the seasons to come. For now, all eyes are on Robinson’s ability to finish the season strong and healthy, as his performance will undoubtedly influence his future and the Vikings’ decision-making process.
