Minnesota Vikings star left tackle Christian Darrisaw will have season-ending knee surgery following an injury he sustained in Week 8 against the Los Angeles Rams, marking a significant setback for the team’s offensive line.
The Vikings fell to the Rams 30-20 on October 24, suffering their second loss in four days after starting the season 5-0. With urgency mounting, there’s increased pressure on the Vikings (5-2) to sign former Pro Bowl left tackle Charles Leno Jr.
At 33, Leno brings extensive experience, having spent seven seasons with the Chicago Bears—where he was named to the Pro Bowl in 2018—before a three-year stint with the Washington Commanders. Notably, he never missed a game from 2015 to 2022.
“With Darrisaw out, the Vikings must acquire a veteran left tackle to keep their playoff aspirations alive. Signing Leno would be a smart move, given his extensive starting experience and solid pass protection throughout his career,” noted Bleacher Report’s scouting department ahead of Week 9. Last season, Leno allowed just 34 pressures on 631 pass protection snaps, according to Pro Football Focus (PFF).
Although Leno missed three games in 2023 due to a knee injury and another after a personal loss, he still achieved a commendable 72.5 PFF grade, ranking as the 23rd-best tackle, despite recording the most penalties (8) since 2019.
Having been released by Washington in March, Leno remains a free agent following hip surgery.
Vikings May Restructure O-Line
Another potential strategy for the Vikings is to adjust their current lineup.
Left guard Blake Brandel could shift to left tackle, having served as a backup to Darrisaw. Brandel played five games at left tackle in 2022, stepping in during Darrisaw’s concussion absences and proving to be capable.
This transition would allow Dalton Risner to take over as the starting left guard, although it would hinder the team’s earlier plans to replace struggling right guard Ed Ingram with Risner.
Regardless of the approach taken, the offensive line is likely to suffer a decline in performance. Darrisaw, an All-Pro caliber player who signed a four-year, $113 million extension in the offseason, is difficult to replace.
Under Kevin O’Connell, the Vikings have prioritized continuity on the offensive line, making a reshuffle seem more likely. However, signing Leno for the veteran minimum could provide valuable depth, potentially allowing him to step in at left tackle once he builds rapport with the starters.
Potential Trade Targets for the Vikings O-Line
The Athletic’s Alec Lewis highlighted two offensive linemen who could strengthen the unit.
Brady Christensen, a fourth-year lineman with the Carolina Panthers, is having a breakout season after being drafted in the third round in 2021. He has impressed while coming off the bench, boosting his value before free agency. Originally a tackle, Christensen has played multiple positions and may thrive with a fresh start.
Another candidate is Will Fries of the Indianapolis Colts, who currently ranks as PFF’s fourth-highest graded guard this season. Despite facing early career struggles, Fries is in the last year of his rookie contract and could be a valuable addition.