EAGAN, Minn. — Minnesota Vikings offensive coordinator Wes Phillips spoke to the media Tuesday saying that the team had a plan after losing left tackle Christian Darrisaw for the season.
What he DIDN'T say... was that the plan included a new, experienced acquisition.
The Vikings confirmed Wednesday that the club has acquired Jacksonville Jaguars left tackle Cam Robinson, providing both depth and experience as they look to replace Darrisaw as he recovers from significant knee surgery. In exchange for a conditional 2026 fifth-round pick, the Vikings get the 29-year-old Robinson and a conditional 2026 seventh-round draft pick. Both picks could change depending on playtime.
Robinson will need to pass a physical before the trade is officially completed. He is in the last year of his deal with the Jaguars, so the move makes sense as a temporary replacement for Darrisaw, who suffered a torn ACL and MCL in his left knee during Thursday night's game with the Los Angeles Rams.
This is no bargain-basement acquisition by the Vikings: Cam Robinson was a second-round draft pick for Jacksonville back in 2017, having played his college ball at Alabama. He has played 376 snaps so far in 2024, giving up four sacks and being called for three penalties. Before the season started he was ranked as the NFL's 28th-best offensive tackle by Pro Football Focus (PFF). Robinson has started all 91 games he has played in, along with three playoff contests in 2017.
Overall, Robinson is not rated as strong a run blocker as Darrisaw but pass blocking is considered his strength, important for protecting quarterback Sam Darnold, who has cooled off in recent weeks.
David Quessenberry replaced Darrisaw last week and could still be part of the team's plans moving forward, but Tuesday's move seems to indicate Robinson will line up somewhere on the offensive line. Minnesota is also expected to get left guard Dalton Risner back soon, giving the Vikings another option with him slipping in at left guard and Blake Brandel, who is the current starter at left guard, moving out to left tackle. Brandel started three games at left tackle in 2022.
Regardless of what the plan is, Robinson's presence will certainly provide the Vikings with more depth at one of the most important offensive positions in football.
Minnesota hosts the Indianapolis Colts Sunday night on KARE 11.
