The Minnesota Vikings’ Interior Offensive Line: A Decade-Long Struggle

A Lingering Problem in the Trenches For over a decade, the Minnesota Vikings have struggled with the interior of their offensive line. The last time it was a true strength dates back to the 2011 season, when Steve Hutchinson anchored the unit in his final year with the franchise. Since then, the Vikings have consistently had at least one glaring weakness at center or guard, preventing them from establishing dominance in the trenches.

Right Guard: The Most Persistent Weakness While various interior positions have caused issues over the years, right guard has been particularly problematic. Players like Dakota Dozier and Dru Samia have failed to provide stability, leaving the position as a revolving door of underperformance. This ongoing issue has directly impacted the team’s ability to protect the quarterback and establish a reliable running game.

The Impact of Christian Darrisaw’s Injury Overall, the Vikings’ offensive line performed well throughout the 2024 season, but their final two games exposed its fragility. The absence of left tackle Christian Darrisaw was a major factor in this decline. After sustaining a serious injury, the Vikings traded for Cam Robinson to replace him, but the impact of Darrisaw’s absence was undeniable.

Early in the season, Blake Brandel appeared to be thriving. Through the first six games—when Darrisaw was healthy—he allowed only six pressures. However, once Darrisaw was sidelined, Brandel’s play deteriorated. Over the last 10 games without Darrisaw, he surrendered 31 pressures, including a disastrous eight against the Detroit Lions. His struggles in handling stunts and inside moves became a glaring issue, leaving the Vikings’ offensive line vulnerable.

Betting on Darrisaw’s Return The Vikings initially structured their offensive line strategy around Darrisaw’s presence. Brandel signed a three-year, $9.5 million contract, with the hope that playing next to an elite left tackle would elevate his performance. However, Darrisaw’s injury disrupted this plan, forcing the Vikings to reconsider their approach.

Darrisaw tore his ACL and MCL on October 24 and underwent surgery shortly afterward. A nine-month recovery timeline could see him return around August 1, while a 10-month timeline would put him back before Week 1 of the regular season. However, the Vikings’ medical staff has a reputation for being cautious with injuries, making it possible that Darrisaw could miss additional time.

How Darrisaw’s Recovery Could Shape Free Agency The uncertainty surrounding Darrisaw’s recovery could heavily influence the Vikings’ strategy in free agency. The team believes they are in a position to contend for a Super Bowl, but entering the season with a journeyman left tackle would be a tough sell. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler has suggested that a return for Cam Robinson is possible, though his market value may now exceed $20 million per year.

Robinson’s potential return depends on how the Vikings assess Darrisaw’s progress. If Darrisaw is expected to be ready for Week 1, the Vikings may focus on upgrading the right guard position instead. However, if doubts remain about his availability, the team could make additional moves to reinforce an offensive line that remains a work in progress.

Looking Ahead: Strengthening the Vikings’ Offensive Front The Vikings’ offensive line has long been a weak link, and the team must make critical decisions to ensure stability in 2025. Darrisaw’s recovery will be the key factor in determining their free agency moves, whether they prioritize right guard or seek a more comprehensive overhaul. As the offseason progresses, the team’s actions will reveal just how committed they are to finally solving this decade-long problem.