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How Kwesi Adofo-Mensah's trade for Cam Robinson could end up being free

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Tyler Forness | Last updated Oct 30, 2024 9:31 AM ET

The Minnesota Vikings made a major move on Tuesday night by acquiring left tackle Cam Robinson from the Jacksonville Jaguars for a relatively small price of a conditional 2026 fifth-round pick that can turn into a 2026 fourth-round pick while receiving a 2026 seventh-round pick that could go away based on playing time.

The move was one to replace left tackle Christian Darrisaw who tore his ACL and MCL against the Los Angeles Rams. The move sends a signal to the rest of the organization that they believe the Vikings can make a deep playoff run and potentially make the Super Bowl.

Vikings' trade for Cam Robinson could end up being free

The trade was huge for the Vikings in that they were able to keep their 2025 draft capital intact. They will still have seven draft picks in 2026 which is not very expensive for the Vikings.

It's also something where the Vikings may end up getting positive value in the trade or essentially the deal is free. How could that happen? Compensatory picks.

If the Vikings end up giving the Jaguars their fourth-round pick in 2026 and they let Robinson walk, it could end up netting them a compensatory pick in the fourth round, which wouldn't be too far behind where the Vikings' pick would be slotted at. The Vikings would end up taking a slight downgrade in fourth-round pick for a seventh-round pick

Plus, the Vikings might keep their fourth-round pick and improve their fifth-round pick. It's a good strategy, but one that would only work if the Vikings sign fewer compensatory qualifying free agents than they bring in themselves. That in itself might not happen.

Even if they don't get a compensatory pick, the Vikings have set themselves up for a potential Super Bowl run for a small price.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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