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Vikings extension rumors still center around one of their 2020 first-round picks, but the final first-rounder from Rick Spielman‘s GM tenure is also now eligible for a big-ticket deal. Although Justin Jefferson is not yet signed, the Vikings have also begun talks with their 2021 first-round pick.
Christian Darrisaw has become one of the NFL’s better tackles, and he is now under contract through 2025 by virtue of Minnesota making the predictable call to exercise his fifth-year option. Although the Vikings have some time with Darrisaw, ESPN.com’s Kevin Seifert notes the team has begun extension discussions with its fourth-year left tackle.
GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah‘s draft choices are not yet extension-eligible, but his predecessor left the team with two cornerstones. Jefferson looks to be angling for the NFL’s top non-quarterback contract, which could take the wide receiver market to or beyond $35M per year. Darrisaw will likely be aiming at a top-market LT accord. The former No. 23 overall pick has been Minnesota’s LT starter since Week 6 of his rookie season.
No Pro Bowls appear on Darrisaw’s resume, but he has received quality reviews. ESPN’s run-block win rate metric ranked the Virginia Tech product sixth in 2022; Pro Football Focus slotted him second among all tackles that season. PFF graded Darrisaw as the NFL’s eighth-best tackle last season. Set to turn 25 on Sunday, Darrisaw should be coming into his prime.
The Vikings are shifting their expenses around this offseason, having separated from Kirk Cousins after six years. But a $28.5M dead-money bill is still due this year because of the void years the team placed on its longtime QB1’s contract. Minnesota, however, will be clear of that charge by 2025, when the team will be building around J.J. McCarthy‘s rookie deal. With the No. 10 overall pick tied to a rookie contract through at least 2026, the Vikings have some opportunities to load up their roster around the Michigan prospect. The Vikings also have just one O-lineman (right tackle Brian O’Neill) signed to an upper-crust contract.
While Jefferson is tied to a fifth-year option for this season, the Vikings picking up Darrisaw’s option ($16M) covers the 2025 campaign. Minnesota has some time with its blindside blocker, and Seifert adds nothing is viewed as imminent. Since the 2011 CBA brought the fifth-year option, the Vikings have never gone through with an extension for a first-rounder with two years of control remaining. Darrisaw is currently tied to a $2.48M base salary.
Laremy Tunsil‘s $25M-per-year deal leads left tackles, but the Lions gave Penei Sewell
$28M per year to introduce a new tier for the RT market. How the Buccaneers proceed with Tristan Wirfs will be pivotal as well. While the Vikings may not be keen on matching where the Bucs go for Wirfs, as the former Super Bowl starter is a two-time All-Pro, that extension moving the market would pertain to Minnesota’s Darrisaw talks. For now, the fourth-year lineman is clearly in the NFC North club’s long-term plans.
More must-reads:
- Vikings re-sign veteran OL to one-year deal
- What Vikings' Josh McCown learned amid struggles of Panthers' Bryce Young
- The 'Minnesota Vikings head coaches' quiz
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Tyrann Mathieu retirement highlights compelling Hall of Fame case
One question remains after New Orleans Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu announced his retirement. How long until Canton calls? On Tuesday, the 12-year NFL veteran revealed he was retiring, effective immediately, ending the New Orleans native's legendary football career. In a statement published to social media, the three-time first-team All-Pro wrote, "As I hang up my cleats, I'm filled with gratitude as I close this chapter of my life and officially retire from the game that's shaped me in every way. "From my first snap in college to my final play in the NFL, this journey has been nothing short of a blessing." He's a surefire first-ballot Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame honoree, breaking out while at LSU (2010-11). During his freshman and sophomore seasons, he forced 11 fumbles with eight recoveries, four interceptions and four total touchdowns while finishing fifth in Heisman voting in 2011. Mathieu was dismissed from the team in 2012 after failing multiple drug tests and then was arrested on marijuana charges, but he didn't allow that to define his career. Instead, he carved out what could be considered a Pro Football Hall of Fame resume, too. Mathieu ends his professional career with 838 tackles, 100 passes defended and 36 interceptions. In addition to being named first-team All-Pro three times, he received three Pro Bowl honors and was a member of the Hall of Fame All-2010 Team. Mathieu also won a Super Bowl with the Kansas City Chiefs in February 2020. Per Mathieu's Pro Football Reference's Hall of Fame Monitor score (65.2), he has a below-average case for enshrinement, with the average Hall of Fame defensive back scoring a 96.93. But players have received a gold jacket with worse scores in the PFR metric, including John Lynch, Eric Allen and Dick LeBeau. While he might have to wait past his first ballot to make it into the Hall of Fame, it would be a shame if Mathieu didn't one day receive his flowers. It certainly helps his case that in addition to being one of the greatest safeties of his generation, Mathieu was, by all accounts, just as outstanding off the field. NewOrleans.Football's Nick Underhill and Arizona Cardinals insider Kyle Odegard, who covered Mathieu when he played for the Cardinals, were among the media members to share fond stories about Mathieu. "One of those guys who really respected the job we do and would take the time to explain the game," Underhill shared. "He an all-world talent and the most accessible, genuine, introspective superstar I've ever met," Odegard wrote. It could take longer than five years, but it should surprise no one if one day Mathieu receives Hall of Fame recognition. He is the Honey Badger, after all. He takes what he wants.
Knicks Predicted to Part Ways With Karl-Anthony Towns in Blockbuster Three-Team Trade
The New York Knicks are looking to make more moves to upgrade their depth as they figure to be one of the teams to beat in the Eastern Conference next season. Of course, the Knicks made their first Eastern Conference Finals appearance since 2000 last season and with the amount of injuries to top players in the East, the Conference is wide open entering next season. Because of this, the Knicks have emerged as one of the favorites to win the East thanks to their core led by Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns. Despite this, Sports Illustrated’s Jackson Caudell and Rohan Raman recently created a three-team mock trade that would see the Knicks move on from Towns. In the trade, the Knicks would add Jrue Holiday, Robert Williams III and a 2028 first-round pick via the Portland Trail Blazers while they would send Towns and Pacome Dadiet to Portland. The Trail Blazers would also send Duop Reath to the Atlanta Hawks in this proposed mock trade. While the Knicks are looking at ways to improve their depth, moving on from Towns would be a tough decision for them to make despite his struggles, especially on the defensive side, during the playoffs last season. It would also be a tough decision to swap Towns for Williams III due to his injury history, especially with Mitchell Robinson’s injury history as well and the Knicks’ lack of true center depth. While that may be the case, adding a veteran point guard in Holiday to the second unit could be a good addition to the Knicks’ bench and Williams III would also give them more size. Despite this, it is highly unlikely that the Knicks will move on from Towns this summer and likely into next season as they see their core being able to help them compete for a championship next season.
Caitlin Clark drops mic on Kelsey Plum's Instagram post
Caitlin Clark might be the most popular figure in women's basketball right now, but she continues to draw shots left and right, both on and off the court. The Iowa product has stayed even keeled and mostly unrattled, but that doesn't mean she won't fight back. That's why, in the light of Kelsey Plum's recent comments, she decided to take matters into her own hands and clapped back at her with a simple, six-word message. Plum shared a picture of her during the WNBA's All-Star Weekend, which showed half of a Nike logo in the background. Clark was quick to spot it and just wrote "Thank u for the Nike ad." This happened just hours after Plum seemingly took a shot at Clark and her Team Clark teammates for reportedly not getting involved in their pre-game protest. “The T-shirt was determined this morning. Not to tattletale, but zero members of Team Clark were very present for that,” Plum revealed. “That really needed to be mentioned,” Sabrina Ionescu added while both laughed. WNBA All-Stars warmed up with a T-Shirt that read 'Pay us what you owe us,' ahead of their new CBA agreement, which is expected to be signed in the offseason. WNBA players get around 9 percent of the league's revenue, and they're asking for a bigger share since most of them also have to play overseas during the offseason because of the salary disparity. Plum is the vice president of the WNBPA, so it's not surprising to see her so involved in the protest and the demands. Then again, it's hard to understand the reasoning behind the tattle telling, as not only does it show that there might not be a united front ahead of these negotiations, but it also drives attention away from where it should be.
4 Steelers Players' Roster Spots Could Be In Jeopardy Ahead Of 2025 NFL Season
The Pittsburgh Steelers have brought in a bunch of new faces, bringing a fresh sense of excitement and optimism ahead of the upcoming season. As the organization continues to make moves and finalize its roster, it seems like they’re tying up loose ends and preparing for this upcoming season. However, the changes might not be finished just yet, as a Steelers insider predicts a few potential cuts on the horizon. On a recent episode of the Chipped Ham Football podcast, Steelers insiders Brian Batko and Ray Fittipaldo talked about how the team looks heading into the rapidly approaching training camp. When the conversation shifted to potential roster cuts, Batko named four players who could be at risk, adding that he believes one or two of them are likely to be let go by cutdown day. "To me, I look at it as there's three L's here," Batko said. "[Isaiahh] Loudermilk, [Dean] Lowry, [Logan] Lee. Actually, four L's. Loudermilk, Lowry, [DeMarvin] Leal, Lee. I think one or two of those guys unfortunately for them, are probably going to take an L on cutdown day." Cutdown Day in the NFL is when teams have to shrink their rosters from the offseason maximum that can be around 90 players to just 53 for the regular season. It usually happens at the end of preseason and is a big moment for players fighting for a spot. Some make the team, some get released, and others might be moved to the practice squad. It’s a stressful and emotional time, as one decision can change a player’s entire career. During the podcast, Batko noted that the defensive line and linebacker groups are the most likely areas for surprise cuts. With a crowded defensive line room, it’s clear the Steelers have made a strong push to bolster that unit, which could lead to some tough roster decisions. The Steelers used their highly valued first-round pick in this year's NFL Draft to select Derrick Harmon, a talented young defensive tackle from the University of Oregon. While it's common for rookies to spend time developing before earning significant playing time, Harmon seems to be the exception. Early indications from the team suggest that he’s already in line for a starting role, highlighting both his potential and the confidence the coaching staff has in his ability to make an immediate impact. The Steelers’ defensive line has some big questions as the season starts. Veteran defensive tackle Cam Heyward, who is 36, still plays well and brings experience. However, beyond him, most of the players are young draft picks or longshots who haven’t proven themselves yet. Since the team didn’t sign any big free agents, they’re relying on Harmon and other young players to quickly step up and help Heyward hold down the defense. Heyward has been a key piece of the Steelers’ defense for years, with an insider even ranking him among the top three defensive linemen in franchise history. However, now at 36, the Steelers know they need to prepare for the day when Heyward is no longer on the field. That’s why they’re focusing on developing younger players to eventually fill his role. Finding the right balance between veteran experience and promising talent is a tough thing, but it’s a strategy the Steelers have used across their entire roster this offseason. The Steelers Are Putting In The Work With offseason programs underway and training camp quickly approaching, now is the perfect time for players like Batko mentioned that are on the cusp to show why they deserve a spot on the roster. Cutdown days are always tough, but ultimately, the NFL is a business. The Steelers have to make the best decisions to ensure they have the strongest roster possible heading into the season, but fans are excited and hopeful for this team this year.
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