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Extension makes Vikings’ left tackle NFL’s highest-paid lineman

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The Minnesota Vikings announced Tuesday they have agreed to terms with left tackle Christian Darrisaw on a four-year contract extension that ties him to the team through the 2029 season.

The extension is worth a maximum of $113 million with $77 million guaranteed, including $43.7 million guaranteed at signing, according to media reports.

Darrisaw, 25, had two seasons remaining on his rookie contract, with the Vikings picking up his fifth-year option for 2025, guaranteed at $16.037 million.

Based on those reported numbers, Darrisaw’s average annual salary of $28.25 million edges Detroit Lions right tackle Penei Sewell (four years, $112 million for a $28 million average) to make Darrisaw the highest-paid offensive lineman in the league.

The Vikings selected Darrisaw in the first round (23rd overall) in the 2021 NFL draft out of Virginia Tech. He has started 39 of 41 games, including all 15 of his games in 2023 when he played a career-high 982 snaps.

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Pro Football Focus gave him the third-highest pass-blocking grade (85.3) for offensive linemen participating in at least 50% of their team’s snaps in 2023, and his overall offensive grade (85.1) was fourth best for all offensive linemen with at least 100 snaps.

He missed five games in 2021, three in 2022 and two last season because of minor injuries.

This post appeared first on USA TODAY